China irked after US warship sails as 'routine transit' in Taiwan Strait; America responds

US Navy sailed a warship through highly sensitive Taiwan Strait on October 14, enraging China which claims sovereignty over self-governed island and surrounding areas. US Pacific Fleet anunced that USS Barry, an Arleigh-Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, conducted a “routine” transit “in accordance with international law.”

“ ship's transit through Taiwan Strait demonstrates US commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. US Navy will continue to fly, sail and operate anywhere international law allows,” world’s largest fleet command said in a statement.

In recent months, China and United States have increased ir military activities near Taiwan which later calls “ordinary mission”. strait has been witnessing regular US sailings since Washington has emerged as a strong supporter of Taiwan’s inclusion on international platforms.

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China warns US

Eastern ater Command spokesperson Colonel Zhang Chunhui said that People's Liberation Army tracked and monitored USS Barry “throughout entire process.” Zhang said that United States has frequently been sending “wrong signals” to Taiwanese military on Taiwan-related issues, seriously undermining peace and stability in strait. 

"We warn US to stop its words and deeds that provoke trouble and disturb situation in Taiwan Strait," Zhang said in a statement.

Beijing has become more assertive on reunification of Taiwan with China under “one country, two systems” which has threatened Taiwan’s claim of sovereignty. self-governing island republic considers itself as sovereign while China claims province as Beijing’s territory under its one-China policy and has been pushing to implement Hong Kong system in Taiwan. 

US national security adviser Robert O’Brien warned Bejing against attempting to take Taiwan by force as China has been engd in a massive naval buildup. Speaking at an event in University of Nevada in Las Vegas earlier this month, O’Brien said that China is planning to gain ability to push United States out of Western Pacific and eng in an amphibious landing in Taiwan.

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