US warship sails through Taiwan Strait amid tensions with China.
The passage of two US warships through an area sensitive to China risks escalating tensions between the two sides following a series of disagreements.
|
The USS Benfold destroyer of the U.S. Navy. Photo:US Navy. |
A U.S. Navy official confirmed that the destroyers USS Mustin and USS Benfold yesterday headed north and transited the Taiwan Strait. This marks the first time U.S. warships have entered the area since July 2017, when the heavy destroyer USS John S. McCain transited through the region, according to the official.CNN.
Pacific Fleet spokesman Charlie Brown said the movement of the two warships was "normal transit operations" and has been conducted for many years. This move comes amid increasing tensions between the Trump administration and China over the trade war, North Korea, and the South China Sea.
The passage of US ships through this sensitive area is considered a provocation to China, as Beijing views Taiwan as inseparable territory and may use force to unify it. US aircraft carriers have not been present there since 2007.
|
The Taiwan Strait area. Graphic:BBC. |
China has stepped up its military activity in the region by sending its domestically built aircraft carrier through the strait in January, and has also conducted large-scale military exercises recently.Analysts believe Beijing's actions are a warning to the US as relations between Washington and Taiwan warm.After taking office, President Donald Trump received a congratulatory message from Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen. The US also supports Taiwan's defense by selling advanced weapons, despite strong opposition from Beijing.