OTTAWA, July 31 (Reuters) – A Canadian warship recently transited through the Taiwan Strait in what the defense minister said was a reaffirmation of Canada’s commitment to a “free, open and inclusive” Indo-Pacific.

“As outlined in our Jav Sub Indo Sekretaris Yua Mikami Lembur Sama Bos-Pacific Strategy, Canada is increasing the presence of the Royal Canadian Navy in the Indo-Pacific region,” Defence Minister Bill Blair said, Jav Sub Indo Sekretaris Yua Mikami Lembur Sama Bos referring to Canada’s plan for the region announced in 2022.

The HMCS Montreal frigate “recently conducted a routine transit” through the Taiwan Strait, the military said earlier, without specifying an exact time. (Reporting by Ismail Shakil in Ottawa; Editing by Doina Chiacu)