- A U.S. warship and a U.S. Coast Guard cutter sailed through the Taiwan Strait on Friday.
- The moves came after military assault drills were conducted last week by China, which lays claim to Taiwan.
- The U.S. Navy said an “Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, the Kidd, and the Coast Guard cutter, Munro, traveled through international waters, in accordance with international law.”
WASHINGTON D.C.: In what Washington described as routine operations through the sensitive waterway separating Taiwan from China, a U.S. warship and a U.S. Coast Guard cutter sailed through the Taiwan Strait on Friday.
The moves came after military assault drills involving warships and jets were conducted last week by China, which lays claim to Taiwan, amidst rising military tensions over the past two years.
In a statement, the U.S. Navy said an “Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, the Kidd, and the Coast Guard cutter, Munro, traveled through international waters, in accordance with international law. The ships’ lawful transit through the Taiwan Strait highlights the commitment of the U.S. to a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
China, on Saturday, called the move “provocative,” stressing the Eastern Theater Command of the People’s Liberation Army organized troops to follow, monitor and guard the course of the American ships.
In a statement, Defense Ministry Spokesperson Tan Kefei said, “We firmly oppose and strongly condemn this. Taiwan is an inseparable part of China. The Taiwan issue is China’s internal affair and allows no external interference. We call on the U.S. to recognize the situation, stop provocations and abide by the One China principle and the provisions of the three Sino-U.S. joint communiques.”
Despite having no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, like most countries, the U.S. is the island’s leading international supporter and supplier of weapons. In March, both countries signed an agreement to establish a Coast Guard Working Group that will coordinate policy.
After the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, China’s state-controlled media has portrayed Washington’s support for Taiwan and regional allies as fickle.
But the Biden administration quickly dismissed any comparison between Afghanistan and the commitment of the U.S. to the Indo-Pacific region.
While visiting Vietnam this week, Vice President Kamala Harris accused China of “bullying and excessive maritime claims.”
