The transit of the US ships comes after tensions around the Taiwan Strait rose this month to a maximum not seen in years, following the visit to Taipei by the president of the US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi.
In a statement, the US Navy said the move “demonstrates America’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.”
The two Ticonderoga-class ships, the USS Antietam and the USS Chancellorsville, made “routine” transit “through waters where freedom of navigation and flight on the high seas apply, in accordance with international law,” it added. “The US military flies, sails and operates anywhere international law allows,” he said.
However, the People’s Liberation Army of China considered that the United States had “openly exaggerated” the passage of ships through the strait.
The Chinese Army’s Eastern Operations Command “is following and warning US ships throughout their journey and is aware of their every movement,” spokesman 1st Colonel Shi Yi said, adding that the troops “are still on high alert and are ready at all times to thwart any provocation.”
The situation between China and Taiwan worsened on August 3 as a result of the visit to the island by the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, which China considered a provocation and to which it responded with the announcement of four days of military exercises.
The US diplomatically recognizes China over Taiwan, but maintains de facto relations with Taipei and supports the island’s right to determine its future.
China considers Taiwan, where Chinese nationalists fled after their defeat in a civil war by the communists in 1949, a province that must be reunified, even by force if necessary.
Source: Ambito
David William is a talented author who has made a name for himself in the world of writing. He is a professional author who writes on a wide range of topics, from general interest to opinion news. David is currently working as a writer at 24 hours worlds where he brings his unique perspective and in-depth research to his articles, making them both informative and engaging.
