The Eastern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army on Saturday denounced the passage of Canadian and Australian naval vessels through the Taiwan Strait, describing the move as a provocation that heightened security risks in the region.

Shi Yi, a spokesperson for the command, said in a statement that the Canadian frigate Ville de Quebec and the Australian guided-missile destroyer Brisbane sailed through the strait on Saturday, engaging in "provocative acts of disturbance."

The command deployed naval and air forces to monitor the ships throughout their transit and "responded effectively," Shi said.

He stressed that the actions of Canada and Australia "sent the wrong signal and increased security risks." He added that the theater command's troops "remain on high alert at all times and will resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, security and regional peace and stability."