On Wednesday, a US warship navigated the narrow Taiwan Strait, eliciting a sharp rebuke from Beijing, just days before Taiwanese President-elect Lai Ching-te’s inauguration.
US warships, and occasionally Navy patrol aircraft, transit the strait about once a month. The timing of this recent mission is particularly delicate as it occurred prior to Lai’s 20 May inauguration. China considers Lai a separatist threat.
Comments from the US
The US Navy’s 7th Fleet said in a statement on Wednesday that the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey “conducted a routine Taiwan Strait transit on May 8 through waters where high-seas freedoms of navigation and overflight apply in accordance with international law.” It mentioned that the transit demonstrates the US’ “commitment to upholding freedom of navigation for all nations as a principle.”
In a veiled reference to China, the statement added that “no member of the international community should be intimidated or coerced into giving up their rights and freedoms.”
Comments from China
The Eastern Theatre Command of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) said in a statement on Thursday that the “provocative” move had been “hyped publicly.”
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) conducted a routine Taiwan Strait transit on May 8 through waters where high-seas freedoms of navigation and overflight apply in accordance with international law.
— 7th Fleet (@US7thFleet) May 8, 2024
Read more: https://t.co/vDNdqCu9Dw#USNavy pic.twitter.com/2S98PWxZxq
Naval Senior Captain Li Xi, spokesperson for the Command, said that the PLA had organised “naval and air forces to track, monitor and deal with the US destroyer’s transit operation according to law and regulations.” He further stated that the PLA “will remain on high alert at all times and resolutely safeguard China’s national sovereignty as well as regional peace and stability.”
Comments from Taiwan
Meanwhile, Taiwan’s defence ministry said that the US ship sailed south through the strait and that Taiwanese forces had monitored the situation but observed nothing unusual.
Context
Taiwan, which is claimed by China as part of its own territory, has been consistently increasing its defence budget every year and strengthening its multilateral relations to deter Chinese dominance over its sovereignty.
The ruling Chinese Communist Party has repeatedly stated its intention to reunify Taiwan with the mainland, even if it means resorting to force.
Further flaming tensions, a senior official from the US State Department suggested last month that the ambitious submarine project involving the Australia, UK, and the US (AUKUS) may serve as a deterrent against potential Chinese aggression towards Taiwan.