China’s army condemned the sailing of an American and British warship on Friday through its sensitive narrow Taiwan, saying that it ordered naval and air forces to attend and warn the two ships.
The Eastern Administration of the People’s Liberation Army has said that US USS Higgins and British Frigate HMS Richmond were involved in “causing turmoil and challenges”.
“The actions of the United States and Britain are sending the wrong messages and undermine peace and stability in the Strait of Taiwan,” he said in a statement.
The British Ministry of Defense said crossing was a common cruise. “Wherever the royal naval fleet is attempting, it makes it in full compliance with international law and international rules and exercises free navigation rights in accordance with the United Nations Convention on Sea Law” commented among other things.
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Last week, a Canadian and an Australian warship also passed the strait.
The US Nautical Fleet and, at times, ships from allied countries such as Canada, Britain and France, pass through the Strait, which they consider an international floating road, about once a month. Taiwan also considers it an international floating road.
China, which considers Taiwan as its own territory, argues that this strategic sea route is part of its territorial waters. The Taiwan government rejects Beijing’s territorial claims.
In the last five years, China has increased its military pressure on the island, including by conducting war exercises in the area.
