TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — China's military on Monday condemned the passage of a Canadian frigate through the Taiwan Strait on Sunday.

Eastern Theater Command Spokesperson Li Xihai (李熹海) said the military closely monitored the transit of the HMCS Ottawa and “effectively dealt with it.” He claimed naval and air assets were dispatched to track the vessel and maintain readiness.

Li decried the HMCS Ottawa's transit as “an act that deliberately stirred up trouble and undermined peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.” The spokesperson vowed that the theater command would remain on high alert and “resolutely take countermeasures against any threats or provocations.”

The HMCS Ottawa, a Halifax-class frigate, transited the strait for the first time this year, marking Canada's sixth such passage since implementing its Indo-Pacific Strategy.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) welcomed Canada’s “concrete actions to safeguard freedom, peace, and openness in the Taiwan Strait.” In a press release, MOFA said the transit reaffirmed Canada’s stance that the strait constitutes international waters and demonstrated Ottawa’s “firm determination to maintain peace and stability” in the waterway.