U.S. Warship Passes Through Taiwan Strait for the First Time Since Biden Inauguration

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Jo] For the first time since President Joe Biden took office, a U.S. warship passed through the Taiwan Strait, the sea area off the coast of China, on the 4th.

The U.S. Navy 7th Fleet confirmed on its website on the 3rd (local time) that the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) passed through the Taiwan Strait as part of routine operations based on international law.

The 7th Fleet stated, "The passage of a (U.S.) warship through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates America's commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific," and emphasized, "The U.S. military will continue to fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows."

The 7th Fleet also passed through the Taiwan Strait on December 30 last year for routine operations.

During the Donald Trump administration, U.S. Navy vessels conducted "freedom of navigation" operations passing through the Taiwan Strait almost once a month, which China strongly opposed.

This recent passage of U.S. forces through the Taiwan Strait, the first since President Biden took office, suggests that the U.S. administration's support for Taiwan will not change despite the change in government.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken previously stated, "There is bipartisan consensus on Taiwan," adding, "Part of that is strengthening Taiwan's ability to defend itself against aggression, which is an absolute commitment that will continue under this administration."

China conducted high-intensity military activities resembling a show of force by sending more than 10 fighter jets, bombers, and reconnaissance aircraft daily into Taiwan's southwestern Air Defense Identification Zone on the 23rd and 24th of last month. Experts have analyzed that such actions by China were a test of the Biden administration, which is considering how to adjust relations with China.