A Chinese military spokesperson on Thursday expressed steadfast opposition to the navigation of two US warships through the Taiwan Strait, Chinese Xinhua news agency reports.
“The action of US warships has sent the wrong signal to separatist elements that advocate ‘Taiwan independence’ and has seriously endangered peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait,” Wu Qian said, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense.
Two US destroyers crossed the Taiwan Strait in formation on Thursday. In response, China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) sent naval and air forces to track and monitor warships throughout the process.
This is a new act of show of force and provocation by US destroyers after a US warship crossed the Taiwan Strait on December 18, Wu noted.
“The PLA will always be on alert and ready to face all threats and provocations to resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Wu said.
