Taiwan’s defense ministry tracks Canadian frigate in Strait

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND, 國防部) reported on Thursday (Aug. 1) that a Canadian frigate, identified as HMCS Montreal, sailed down the Taiwan Strait a day earlier.

While the frigate traveled from the north through the Strait, the MND closely monitored nearby airspace and waters during the transit and observed nothing unusual.

Canadian Minister of National Defence Bill Blair described the transit as a reaffirmation of Canada's commitment to a "free, open and inclusive" Indo-Pacific, according to Reuters.

"As outlined in our Indo-Pacific Strategy, Canada is increasing the presence of the Royal Canadian Navy in the Indo-Pacific region," said Blair.

The Canadian Navy has previously sailed ships down the Taiwan Strait on multiple occasions. The last transit occurred in November 2023 by HMCS Ottawa alongside the United States Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta.