TAIPEI, Nov 24: China has accused the US of creating tension and undermining
stability around South China Sea by sending warships through the Taiwan Strait
that separates the island from China.
The PLA’s eastern theatre command issued a statement saying China deployed
surveillance ships and aircraft to tail the US warship. “This move by the US
creates security risks and undermines regional stability. The theatre troops
will take all necessary measures to resolutely counter all threats and provocations,
and resolutely defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” spokesperson
Colonel Shi Yi said.
The US navy said the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Milius
conducted a "routine Taiwan Strait transit" through international waters on
Tuesday in accordance with international law."
"The ship's transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the US commitment
to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The United States military flies, sails, and
operates anywhere international law allows," it added.
Last month also a US warship passed through the strait, which was opposed by
China. China claims Taiwan as its territory and it has stepped up incursions
over the island's airspace in the past one year.
British, Canadian, French and Australian warships too have passed through the
Strait in recent years, sparking protests from Beijing.
Joe Biden and Xi Jinping recently had a virtual summit lasting three and a
half hours. They discussed economy, world peace, human rights as well as the
thorny issue of Taiwan's independence. On Taiwan, Xi warned the US that whoever
plays with fire will get burnt." Chinese State media reported that Xi had cautioned
Biden against encouraging Taiwanese independence.
Last month Biden had said Washington would come to Taipei’s defence in the
event of a Chinese attack. The US has defence pacts with Taiwan and supplies
military equipment. He also said the US position towards Taiwan remains unchanged.
Officially, Washington does not recognise Taiwan’s sovereignty. The relationship
continues to be of "strategic ambiguity."
