China-US relations: Beijing says it’s keeping a close eye on US Navy manoeuvres near Taiwan

The USS John S. McCain, an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, passed through the waterway that separates the Chinese mainland from the self-ruled island on Thursday.

“China has closely followed and grasped the situation of US warships passing through the Taiwan Strait,” foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said.

“China will continue to maintain a high level of alert at all times, respond to all threats and provocations at all times, and resolutely defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“It is hoped that the United States will play a constructive role in regional peace and stability, not the other way around.”

The US Navy’s Seventh Fleet said the warship’s manoeuvre was “in accordance with international law”.