In a bold assertion of its naval presence, two US Navy ships navigated the contentious waters of the Taiwan Strait this week, marking the first such operation since the inauguration of President Donald Trump. This maneuver has ignited a fierce backlash from China, which claims that the mission heightens security threats in the region.
The vessels involved in this strategic traverse were the USS Ralph Johnson, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, and the USNS Bowditch, a Pathfinder-class survey ship. Their journey, conducted from February 10 to 12, traversed a corridor in the strait that, according to US Navy officials, lies beyond any coastal state’s territorial seas. “Within this corridor, all nations enjoy high-seas freedom of navigation and lawful uses of the sea,” stated Navy Commander Matthew Comer, representing the US Indo-Pacific Command.
China, steadfast in its assertion of sovereignty over Taiwan, reacted vehemently. The People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Theatre Command declared that Chinese forces were dispatched to monitor the situation, branding the US actions as provocative, claiming they “send the wrong signals” and exacerbate security risks.
The Taiwan Strait remains a flashpoint in Sino-American relations, with China viewing Taiwan as a core issue of national integrity. This week, China’s frustrations extended beyond the US, as it lodged complaints with Japan regarding “negative” comments about China made during a meeting between Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. The joint statement emphasized the importance of maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait and expressed support for Taiwan’s participation in international forums.
In response to inquiries about the US Navy’s presence, Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, reiterated that Taiwan is a fundamental interest for China and urged the US to proceed with caution. “We are resolutely opposed to this and will never allow any outside interference,” she asserted, emphasizing China’s commitment to its territorial claims.
Meanwhile, Taiwan’s defense ministry reported that its forces were closely monitoring the situation, labeling the overall environment as “normal.” However, they noted an uptick in military activity, detecting 30 Chinese aircraft and seven naval ships in the vicinity over just 24 hours. “I don’t need to explain further who the real troublemaker is around the Taiwan Strait,” said ministry spokesperson Sun Li-fang, reflecting the sentiment in Taipei.
Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te dismissed Beijing’s sovereignty claims, affirming that only the people of Taiwan should determine their future. As tensions escalate, the implications of these military maneuvers resonate far beyond the immediate region, posing questions about the balance of power in the Asia-Pacific.
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