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(United States Navy / MCSN Molly M. Crawford)
The destroyer USS Bari sails through the Taiwan Strait
China said the United States seriously undermined peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait after a US destroyer crossed the strait in light of escalating tension between Beijing and Taipei (the capital of Taiwan).
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On Thursday, Zhang Chunhui, a spokesman for the Chinese Army Eastern Command, said in a statement that the Chinese military had monitored the US ship (Perry) as it carried out what the US Navy described as a “routine crossing of the Taiwan Straits. .
Zhang added that the United States must stop its provocative statements and actions in the Taiwan Strait.
He said the Chinese military will firmly defend the country’s territorial integrity and maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
On Wednesday, the United States announced that a US destroyer would cross the Taiwan Strait as a “routine mission.”
(United States Navy / MCSN Molly M. Crawford)
US Naval Capt. Ryan Momsen, a spokesman for the US Seventh Fleet, said that the USS Parry, on October 14, conducted a routine mission in the Taiwan Strait, in accordance with international law.
“The ship’s transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the United States’ commitment to making the Indian and Pacific Oceans free and open,” it added in a statement.
The US Navy regularly conducts operations to ensure “freedom of navigation” in the strait that separates China and Taiwan, something that has always infuriated Beijing.
(United States Navy / MCSN Molly M. Crawford)
China considers the island of Taiwan to be an inalienable part of its territory and therefore considers that any foreign ship crossing the strait that separates mainland China from the island of Taiwan is a violation of its sovereignty.
However, Washington, along with many capitals, considers this maritime corridor to be part of international waters, which means that navigation in it is open to all.
Source: Reuters + AFP
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