World

China opposes any country using freedom of navigation to undermine its sovereignty

By Reuters Reuters
A Navy miniature is seen in front of displayed Chinese and Taiwanese flags in this illustration taken, April 11, 2023. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration
A Navy miniature is seen in front of displayed Chinese and Taiwanese flags in this illustration taken, April 11, 2023. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration DADO RUVIC Reuters

BEIJING - China said on Friday it firmly opposes any attempt by any country to undermine its sovereignty and security "under the pretext of freedom of navigation", in response to a Canadian warship passing through the Taiwan Strait.

Canadian media reported that the frigate HMCS Charlottetown made the transit last week without being accompanied by any allied countries' ships.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning added that China respects all countries' rights to navigation under international law.

The Canadian Department of National Defence and Taiwan's defence ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

(Reporting by Joe Cash; Additional reporting by Ben Blanchard in Taipei; Writing by Liz Lee; Editing by Himani Sarkar and Ros Russell)

Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect.

This story was originally published May 29, 2026 at 5:28 AM.

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