US Destroyer Passes Through Taiwan Strait... China 'Tense' Increases Surveillance

[Asia Economy Reporter Bu Aeri] Amid the confrontation between the United States and China over Taiwan, a U.S. Navy destroyer once again passed through the Taiwan Strait, which China considers its own territorial waters.

In response, China has raised its level of countermeasures by mobilizing its navy and air force for full surveillance.

The U.S. Navy 7th Fleet stated in a press release posted on its website on the 22nd (local time) that the Arleigh Burke-class missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur conducted a routine transit through the Taiwan Strait in accordance with international law.

The U.S. Navy said, "The transit of this vessel through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the United States' commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific," adding, "The U.S. military will fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows."

This marks the sixth time a U.S. destroyer has passed through the Taiwan Strait since President Joe Biden took office in January.

Zhao Lijian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, criticized the U.S. warship's transit through the Taiwan Strait during a regular briefing on the 23rd, saying, "The United States has recently repeatedly demonstrated military force and provoked tensions in the Taiwan Strait."

He continued, "This is not a commitment to freedom and openness but rather a deliberate destruction of regional peace and stability and military recklessness."

Spokesperson Zhao emphasized, "The international community has clearly seen the true face of the United States," and raised his voice, saying, "China's determination to fully safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity is unwavering."

Jiang Chunhui, spokesperson for the Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese military, also stated, "The Chinese military is mobilizing its navy and air force to monitor and guard every process."

Jiang Chunhui pointed out, "The United States' continued provocations in the Taiwan Strait are aimed at deliberately undermining regional security," adding, "This is an act that seriously harms peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and shows that the United States is the biggest creator of regional security risks."

He said, "We strongly oppose this," and added, "The Chinese military maintains a high level of vigilance, responds to threats and provocations at any time, and will resolutely defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.