Canada-China Relations committee  Thank you for your question, Mr. Bergeron. Of course we are concerned, as is everyone, by the rise in tension in the region. Regarding the transit by HMCS Vancouver between the south and north regions of the China Sea, it was really to connect two points of operation that we had to have in those two locations.

Canada-China Relations committee  I have no information to that effect. Actually, I don't have any background on this question at all.

Canada-China Relations committee  There's none. When the Vancouver sailed through, it really just sailed through from point A to point B. That's what happened then.

Canada-China Relations committee  I cannot at this moment express the timeline on the situation with the DPU. This is not within my area of responsibility. The update will focus, obviously, on the size and capabilities of the Canadian Armed Forces, their roles and responsibilities. The work is ongoing.

Canada-China Relations committee  I will turn to my colleagues from Global Affairs Canada to reply as well, but that is definitely a whole-of-government affair for sure.

Canada-China Relations committee  Yes, sir.

Canada-China Relations committee  Mr. Chair and members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to provide you with another update this week, this time, on the situation in the Indo-Pacific region. I am Brigadier-General Éric Laforest, Director General of Operations, with the Strategic Joint Staff at Defence Headquarters here in Ottawa.

Canada-China Relations committee  This is just one example of how China’s actions have heightened tension in the Indo-Pacific and undermined the rules-based international order. Now, given my role as the Director General for Operations, I want to speak to you about the Canadian Armed Forces operations in the region.