TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – A Canadian and an Australian naval vessel entered the Taiwan Strait after accusations by China that the two countries were stoking tension in the region, reports said Saturday.

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense did not specifically address the news, though it said it was monitoring movements in the Taiwan Strait using joint intelligence measures, the Liberty Times reported. The military added it had deployed sea and air forces to ensure security and stability in the area.

According to Canada’s CTV News, the Canadian frigate HMCS Ville de Quebec and the Australian guided-missile destroyer HMAS Brisbane entered the Taiwan Strait early Saturday morning. The information was based on data from the two ships’ automatic identification system transponders.

Canada’s military did not immediately comment on the report, but the Canadian frigate had been operating near the Philippines earlier in the week. The ship, carrying a crew of 240 and a Cyclone helicopter, took part in freedom-of-navigation maneuvers with the Philippines and Australia.

China’s People’s Liberation Army Southern Theater Command condemned the drills as an attempt to stir up tension in the area. The Philippines was colluding with its allies to undermine peace and stability in the region, according to China.