China warned that it would take "strict measures" if Canada intervened in Taiwan, a week after it emerged that a delegation of Canadian parliamentarians planned to visit the island later this year to explore trade opportunities.

China claims that Taiwan is its territory under the "One China" principle and objects to visits by foreign politicians to the island. However, democratically governed Taiwan rejects China's claims.

The Chinese Embassy in Canada said in a statement sent late Tuesday, "We urge the Canadian side to adhere to the One China principle and respect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. China will take firm and strong measures against any country that tries to interfere with or infringe upon China's sovereignty and territorial unity."

Also, Liberal MP Judy Sgro said last week that members of the Canadian-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group, which does not receive administrative or financial support from the Canadian Parliament, were planning to visit the self-governed island in October.

On the other hand, the Canadian government responded in a statement saying that parliamentary associations and friendship groups are independent and that it respects the legislators' intention to visit Taiwan.

Relations between China and the West have deteriorated since US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan earlier this month against Beijing's wishes.