Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
Warship United States of America back across the strait Taiwan amid tensions between Taipei and China on Tuesday (11/23).
The US military said the maneuvers of its warships were part of routine activities.
The US Navy said the missile destroyer USS Milius made “routine transits in the Taiwan Strait” through international waters in accordance with international law. USS Milius is an Arleigh Burke class battleship.
“The ship’s transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the US commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The US military flies, sails, and operates in any territory permitted by international law,” the US Navy statement was quoted as saying. Reuters.
Until now, China has not responded to the latest maneuvers of the US warship, which Beijing has often viewed as a form of provocation.
Last month, China condemned the actions of the US and Canada for both sending warships into the Taiwan strait. China considers the shipment a threat to regional peace and stability.
“Taiwan is part of China’s territory. (China’s) military power always maintains a high level of vigilance and firmly opposes all threats and provocations,” the Chinese military said.
The US itself often deploys warships through the Taiwan Strait almost every month and angers China.
The US allies also sent their ships to the hot spot, Britain was one of them.
The condition of the US and China is indeed heating up. One of the reasons is because the US often voices support for Taiwan independence.
Meanwhile, China continues to claim Taiwan as part of the country’s territory. Taiwan alone has recorded 680 breaches of Chinese military aircraft into their Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) so far this year.
The US, like most other countries, has no formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan. However, the US maintains close relations with Taiwan, especially regarding defense in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act 1979.
(pwn / rds)
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