China has denounced the US sending of yet another warship through the sensitive Taiwan Strait, saying the new US administration was using an old trick of “mixed manipulation” of the situation to deliberately create tensions in the region.
For the first time under the administration of new US President Joe Biden, a US navy warship passed on Thursday through the sensitive waterway, which separates self-ruled Taiwan from mainland China.
The US navy said the guided missile destroyer USS John S. McCain had "conducted a routine Taiwan Strait transit” in what it claimed to be “in accordance with international law.”
Taiwan's Defense Ministry also described the move as a "normal" mission.
The Eastern Theater Command of China's People's Liberation Army, however, said in a statement that Beijing is “resolutely opposed” to such military activities in the region.
"The US move is a repeat of its old trick of 'mixed manipulation' of the situation across the Taiwan Strait, deliberately creating tensions and disrupting regional peace and stability,” it added.
"No matter how the situation in the Taiwan Strait changes, Theater troops will loyally perform their duties and mission, resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity,” said the statement.
Over the past year, the US navy sent its warships through the Taiwan Strait at least 13 times.
Taiwan is a self-ruled island subject to Chinese sovereignty. But it has been defying Beijing under the secessionist president Tsai Ing-wen, who has been backed by Washington.
Former US president Donald Trump provided her government with weapons, despite constant warnings from Beijing against the military transactions with Taipei.
Beijing says the US contacts with Taiwan and the weapons sales to the island violate Chinese sovereignty.
Under the “One China” policy, almost all world countries, including the US, recognize Chinese sovereignty over Taiwan and are not allowed to have formal relations with Taipei.
Your Comment