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Key takeaways
- A US Navy destroyer and a Canadian frigate recently made a routine transit through the Taiwan Strait.
- China responded by declaring that it was disrupting peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and deployed naval and air forces to monitor the situation.
- Tensions rose when a Chinese aircraft carrier sailed through the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday.
A US Navy destroyer and a Canadian frigate recently made a routine transit through the Taiwan Strait. The aim of this operation was to confirm the international status of the waterway as a freely navigable route. The United States and its allies regularly conduct such crossings, which often draw criticism from Beijing. China claims sovereignty over Taiwan, although it has never ruled the country, and has expressed a willingness to use force to bring the island under its control.
China responded to the recent crossing by saying it had disturbed peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The Eastern Theater Command of the People’s Liberation Army deployed naval and air forces to monitor the situation, while adhering to applicable laws and regulations. On the other hand, Taiwan stated that the situation in the surrounding sea and airspace during the transit was normal.
Military activity around Taiwan
Military activities around Taiwan have increased in recent months. Beijing conducted large-scale maneuvers near the island on October 14, deploying a large number of aircraft, warships and coast guard vessels. This was the fourth major round of exercises in just over two years. Taiwan responded by deploying its forces and increasing vigilance on outlying islands.
Tensions are rising
These tensions escalated further with the passage of the Chinese aircraft carrier “Liaoning” through the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday. Taiwan’s defense minister confirmed the presence of the Liaoning, saying it was sailing north along the western side of the center line and that Taiwan was closely monitoring the situation.
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