The Eastern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army mobilized its air and naval forces to monitor a Canadian warship as it passed through the Taiwan Strait on Sunday, the command's spokesman said early Monday.

Senior Captain Li Xi said in a brief statement that the Canadian frigate HMCS Ottawa transited the Strait, and that the Canadian side had sensationalized the incident.

He added that aircraft and naval ships of the PLA Eastern Theater Command closely monitored the passage and responded effectively, blasting Canada for distorting international laws, issuing false statements, causing trouble and jeopardizing peace and stability across the Strait.

The spokesman emphasized that the forces of the command remain highly vigilant and will resolutely counter all threats and provocations.