The US Navy has sent two warships through the Taiwan Strait. It is the first time since top politician Nancy Pelosi’s much-discussed visit to Taiwan that US warships have once again sailed through the strait between China and Taiwan.
These are the cruisers USS Antietam and USS Chancellorsville. They sail on international waters in the strait between China and Taiwan. The passage “demonstrates the United States’ commitment to an open and free Indo-Pacific region,” the US Navy said. The Chinese say they are closely monitoring the two ships and are ready to respond to any provocation.
Tensions between the US and China over Taiwan have escalated in recent weeks. Taipei sees itself as independent, while Beijing sees the archipelago as a renegade province and denounces the American (economic) rapprochement.
Earlier this month, Pelosi, Speaker of the US House of Representatives, visited Taiwan. The island has long been independent, but is seen by China as a renegade province. The Asian superpower does not want countries to maintain official contacts with it.
Pelosi expressed his solidarity with Taiwan in Taipei. After her, more American dignitaries followed. China reacted furiously and then ordered its army to conduct large-scale exercises around Taiwan.
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