According to Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense, an Australian warship travelled through the Taiwan Strait the day before, a crucial waterway dividing the self-ruled island from China.
Per the ministry, the vessel crossed the strait on Thursday and headed south.
During the passage via the strait, Taiwan’s military observed the sea and air space conditions, and the scenario was normal, the statement stated.
The 180-kilometer-long strait is a crucial trade route and a volatile geopolitical battleground for Beijing, which claims democratic Taiwan as its own.
Taiwan’s military reported near-daily sightings of warships in its waters and the Chinese warplane breaches into its air defence zone.
The HMAS Toowoomba, navigating international waters as part of its regional deployment, made the strait passage on Thursday. When asked about the transit, the foreign ministry of Beijing stated its stance was clear and consistent.
They urge relevant parties not to engage in provocative actions that endanger the stability and peace in the Taiwan Strait, mentioned spokesperson Mao Ning.
Earlier this month, the long-range frigate was in waters off Japan, assisting UN sanctions implementation efforts in Tokyo’s exclusive economic zone.
However, naval divers from HMAS Toowoomba were harmed, “likely” as a result of sonar pulses fired by a Chinese cruiser, per Australia’s defence minister last week.
Canberra’s charge was branded “reckless and irresponsible” by Beijing, while Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated the Chinese warship had engaged in unsafe behaviour at sea.
Reference- Barrons
Taiwan Monitors Australian Warship As It Passes From the Strategic Taiwan Strait appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide
Source: Maritime Shipping News