China got angry as soon as Australian warship reached Taiwan, took this dangerous step

China PLA: There was already tension between America and China regarding Taiwan and now there has been a new twist in this tension. Australia’s warship HMAS Toowoomba, a close US ally, passed through the Taiwan Strait on February 20 and 21. This move enraged the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and it took this warship on its radar.

According to Chinese state media sources, as soon as the Australian ship entered this disputed maritime area, the Chinese military was immediately alerted. During the entire journey, China tracked, monitored and issued warnings to the ship.

Why so much ruckus?

The root of this dispute lies in a fundamental difference of opinion. China considers all of Taiwan and this sea route as its sovereign part. On the other hand, Taiwan, America and its allies consider it to be international waters, through which ships of any country have the right to pass. In January this year, two large ships of the US Navy, the guided-missile destroyer USS John Finn and the survey ship USNS Mary Sears, also passed through the same route. Then America had clearly said that they would stick to the principle of Freedom of Navigation.

Nothing new, still why stress?

A report by the Taipei Times in December 2025 suggests that in the past year, eight countries, including the US, Japan, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, the UK and France, sent their military ships through this route. In response, China conducted a major military exercise called Justice Mission in December 2025, the purpose of which was to demonstrate its ability to surround Taiwan and deter foreign forces.

Also read: China warns of ‘apocalypse’: Taiwan deploys American missiles on the border

What next?

After this incident, diplomatic activity has intensified at the global level. China has called it a provocative action and a threat against its sovereignty. Taiwan has welcomed this move. Defense experts are now keeping their eyes on whether America or Australia will send more warships to this area in the coming days. If this happens, military exercises and aggressive patrolling by China may increase further.