'For peace & stability': US, South Korea 'agree to work together' over Taiwan Strait issue

United States and South Korea have agreed to cooperate on issue of Taiwan Strait as tensions budding from 180-kilometre waterways continues to rise. South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who is visiting America, met with US President Joe Biden in a bilateral summit on May 21, as per news agency ANI. During post-summit press conference, Biden informed that both leers talked about issues that are relevant for regional stability such as maintaining freedom of navigation in South China Sea and upholding peace and stability in Taiwan Strait. Moon also said that he and Biden “agreed to work toger” on matter.

ANI quoted Moon saying, "We've shared view that peace and stability in Taiwan Strait are extremely important, and we agreed to work toger on that matter while considering special characteristics in relations between China and Taiwan.”

focus of some countries shifted to Taiwan strait as china has ramped up political pressure and armed threats against self-ruled democratic island including daily incursions into Taipei’s air defence identification zone. Most recently, United States Navy destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) transited Taiwan Strait to showcase America’s dedication to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific region against China’s territorial expansions. 

China Protests US’ Latest Passage Through Taiwan Strait

US Navy’s passage drew flack from China and Beijing accused Wahington of provocation and threatening peace and stability of Taiwan Strait after a US warship sailed through sensitive waterway. On Wednesday, China protested latest passage by US Navy and said that actions send “wrong signals” to Taiwan independence forces. A spokesman for China's Eastern atre Command Col. Zhang Chunhui also ded that US’ latest move is endangering peace and stability across Taiwan Strait. 

Chunhui said, “ US actions send wrong signals to Taiwan independence forces, deliberately disrupting regional situation and endangering peace and stability across Taiwan Strait”. He ded that Chinese forces tracked and monitored ship and “strictly guarded against all threats and provocations”. 

IMAGE: AP