China Tracks U.S. Warships During Taiwan Strait Transit, Keeps Forces On High Alert

China’s military said it closely monitored the passage of two US naval vessels through the Taiwan Strait on 16–17 January.

The USS John Finn, a guided-missile destroyer, and the oceanographic survey ship USNS Mary Sears sailed through the strait over the two days.

The PLA Eastern Theater Command said it deployed naval and air forces to track the vessels and managed the situation effectively.

Senior Colonel Xu Chenghua, spokesperson for the Eastern Theater Command, said Chinese forces stayed on high alert and would continue to protect national sovereignty and security while maintaining regional peace and stability.

The Chinese military made the announcement on its official channels on Saturday. The US Department of Defense did not immediately comment on the transit.

The Taiwan Strait remains a sensitive waterway, with US ships regularly passing through, which China views as a challenge to its territorial claims.

Reference: Reuters

Source: Maritime Shipping News