By Reuters |Taipei |Published: January 25, 2019 4:52:04 pm
US warships pass through Taiwan Strait amid China tensions
The passage by the US ships will likely be viewed in Taiwan as a sign of support from US President Donald Trump's government amid growing friction between the self-ruled island and Beijing.
The United States sent two warships through the Taiwan Strait on Thursday in the first such operation this year, the Taiwan government said, as it increases the frequency of transits through the strategic waterway to the concern of China.
The passage by the US ships will likely be viewed in Taiwan as a sign of support from US President Donald Trump’s government amid growing friction between the self-ruled island and Beijing. China considers Taiwan its own and has not ruled out the use of force to bring it under its control.
Taiwan’s defence ministry said in a statement late on Thursday the ships were moving in a northerly direction through the waterway that separates Taiwan from the Chinese mainland and that their voyage was in accordance with regulations.
It said Taiwan closely monitored the operation to “ensure the security of the seas and regional stability”.
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Taiwan and China explained
Did you know there are two Chinas? The People's Republic of China and the Republic of China, more commonly called Taiwan. Here's their history, and a look at the complex relationship between them.
The United States sent ships through the waterway three times last year. Despite Chinese military technological advances that pose an increased threat to US warships, the US Navy has said it has not ruled out sending an aircraft carrier through the strait, something it has not done in more than 10 years.
In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said China closely monitored the US ships through the waters, and had “expressed concern” to the US side, urging it to abide by the “one China” principle.
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