US Navy send ships through the Taiwan Strait for the third time this year
- Pentagon spokesman confirms that the passage by two vessels ‘demonstrates the US commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific’
- The transit comes days after Taiwan’s independence-leaning party suffered defeat in local elections
Two US Navy vessels sailed through the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday, Taiwan’s defence ministry reported.
The ministry said that the two vessels – one warship and one supply ship – sailed through the strait’s international waters, adding that the island is capable of defending its maritime territory and airspace security.
The Pentagon confirmed Wednesday’s passage. Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Logan said in an email that the USS Stockdale, a guided-missile destroyer, and the USNS Pecos, a replenishment oiler, “conducted a routine Taiwan Strait transit November 28 in accordance with international law”.
“The ships’ transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the US commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” he said, “The US Navy will continue to fly, sail and operate anywhere international law allows.”
It was the US Navy’s third such show of support for the self-ruled island this year, following similar passages in July and October.
Beijing regards Taiwan as a wayward province to be brought under its rule, by force if necessary.