BEIJING (Kyodo) -- The Chinese military denounced Monday the passage of a Canadian frigate through the Taiwan Strait the previous day, saying it "deliberately stirred up trouble and undermined peace and stability" in the waterway that separates mainland China and self-ruled Taiwan.

The military's Eastern Theater Command, which covers the Taiwan Strait, said it effectively dealt with the transit of the Halifax-class frigate Ottawa by deploying naval and air forces to monitor it.

Li Xi, a spokesman for the command, said in a statement the military will "remain on high alert and resolutely take countermeasures against any threats or provocations."

The Canadian vessel's passage through the Taiwan Strait followed that of two U.S. naval ships earlier this month, which Beijing also protested.

Taiwan Defense Ministry welcomed these countries' commitment to "freedom of navigation" and reaffirmed that strait is "by no means" under the sovereignty of mainland China.

Accusing Beijing of using military operations to intimidate Taiwan and neighboring countries, the ministry called it "the only and greatest threat to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait."

According to the ministry 41 mainland Chinese warplanes and nine navy vessels were detected operating around the island in the 24-hour period through 6 a.m. Monday.

Between Jan. 28 and Feb. 12, the Chinese military performed combat readiness patrols and training exercises near the island, which it claims as its own.