US warship crosses Taiwan Strait, drawing Beijing’s ire

U.S. warships pass through or fly over the strait about once a month, sometimes accompanied by Navy patrol aircraft

A U.S. Navy warship sailed through the narrow Taiwan Strait Wednesday, less than two weeks before the inauguration of Taiwan’s new leader, prompting strong condemnation from Beijing.

Asserting its sovereignty, China claims Taiwan as a democratic entity and insists on its authority over the strait. Taiwan and the U.S. oppose this, arguing that the Taiwan Strait is an international waterway.

U.S. warships pass through or fly over the strait about once a month, sometimes accompanied by navy patrol aircraft.

The timing of this latest crossing is particularly sensitive as it comes ahead of the May 20 inauguration of Taiwan’s elected leader Lai Ching-te, whom China views as a dangerous separatist.

According to the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet, the USS Halsey, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, made a routine passage through the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday, asserting its right to sail freely in accordance with international law.

Describing the voyage as “public hype,” the Chinese military announced that naval and air units had been dispatched to monitor and warn the U.S. ship throughout its voyage and vowed to handle the situation according to established laws and regulations.

The People’s Liberation Army Eastern Theater Command stressed in a statement that it is in constant vigilance and determination to safeguard national sovereignty, security and regional peace and stability.

Taiwan confirmed the southbound passage of the U.S. ship through the strait, saying it was routinely monitored but there were no unusual incidents.

Source: Reuters