The USS Mustin missile destroyer conducted a freedom of navigation through the Strait of Taiwan on Tuesday. The move also shows the US’ support for the island’s sovereignty against China. Although China may see the move as a provocation, the US has insisted it will continue its commitment to a free and open region.
A statement from the US Navy said: “The US 7th Fleet which is headquartered in Japan conducts forward-deployed naval operations in support of US national interests in the Indo-Pacific area of operations.
“As the US Navy’s largest numbered fleet, 7th Fleet interacts with 35 other maritime nations to build partnerships that foster maritime security, promote stability and prevent conflict.”
Taiwan’s own defence ministry also confirmed the warship’s passage.
A statement said: “The military is aware of and closely monitors all activities in the sea and air near the Taiwan Strait through the combined intelligence it has gathered.”
The USS Mustin is the seventh ship to sail through the Taiwan Strait this year.
The passage of the US warship comes soon after the USS Ronald Reagan carried out military manoeuvres in the region.
The US has been keen to maintain the independence of the strait near to the island in order to support its commitment to Taiwan’s sovereignty.
Due to the presence of foreign vessels, China sent a warship in the South China Sea to conduct live-fire drills in a show of force.
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Last Friday, the US and Taiwan concluded a landmark deal which included 66 American F-16 fighter jets.
Chinese military official, colonel Ren Guoqiang also lashed out at the confirmation of a US-Taiwan arms deal worth £620million ($493million) for the upgrade of surface-to-air Patriot missiles.
He added: “These attempts to contain China with Taiwan interfere in China’s internal affairs and undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
“They are completely wrong and extremely dangerous.
“The US should realise that China must and will be reunified, and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation must and will be achieved.
“These actions have sent extremely wrong messages to the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities.
“We urge the US side to immediately correct its mistake, stop its official and military contacts of any form with Taiwan, earnestly abide by the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communique, and promise that no similar incident would occur again.
“Taiwan is an inalienable part of China.
“The future of Taiwan lies in reunification and the welfare of the Taiwan compatriots lies in national rejuvenation.”