Tensions in Asia: Two US warships raided the Taiwan Strait, and China puts its forces on alert

A new show of strength in the last 24 hours. Two American warships made an incursion through the Taiwan Strait, forcing the Beijing authorities to toughen their position. Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said Washington should adhere to the principle of “China is one‘, which stipulates that there is only one legitimate government, that of Beijing.

Taiwan has had an independent government since 1949, but China considers the autonomous island part of its territory and opposes any form of official contact between Taiwan and other countries. On the American side, this clip “Demonstrates the United States’ commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region”. The US military added in a statement that it reserves the right “to act where international law permits”.

However, this “corridor” is not neutral, and the presence of these American ships in the strategic strait is not at all to the taste of Chinese officials. Starting with Zhang Meifang, Member of the Beijing Government and Consul of Northern Ireland. On Twitter, she notably responded to this US incursion, declaring that “the Chinese military has closely monitored the passage of the aircraft carrier USS Antietam and USS Chancellorsville through the Taiwan Strait. Chinese forces remain on high alert and ready to thwart any provocation.” ..

This is the first time that the US military has deployed warships in this strategic Asian waterway since US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan.