US Warship Passes Through Taiwan Strait Again... 11th Time This Year

As Part of the "Freedom of Navigation" Operation, Continued Passage Through the Taiwan Strait
Joint Anti-Submarine Training with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force in the South China Sea

[Image source: U.S. Navy official website]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] A U.S. warship has once again passed through the Taiwan Strait, reportedly conducting a show of force against China in the South China Sea. This marks the 11th time this year that a U.S. warship has passed through the Taiwan Strait, occurring once every month. Amid rising military tensions between the two sides due to concerns over a possible Chinese invasion of Taiwan, the U.S. military is also reportedly continuing joint anti-submarine warfare exercises with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.

According to local media such as Taiwan's Apple Daily on the 23rd, the USS Milius (DDG-69), a guided missile destroyer belonging to the U.S. 7th Fleet, passed through the Taiwan Strait on that day. The U.S. Navy stated, "The Milius sailed from the southern to the northern part of the Taiwan Strait," adding, "This demonstrated America's strong commitment to freedom of navigation in a free and open Indo-Pacific region."

The warship, part of the U.S. 7th Fleet stationed in Japan, is also reported to have conducted joint anti-submarine warfare exercises with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force in the South China Sea since the 16th. Apple Daily reported that joint exercises between the U.S. and Japan in the South China Sea have increased recently amid concerns over a possible Chinese invasion of Taiwan and worsening cross-strait relations.

According to major foreign media, there has been no immediate response from China. Last month, the Chinese government criticized Western countries including the U.S. and Canada for repeatedly sending warships through the Taiwan Strait, claiming it threatens regional peace and stability.

Earlier last month, China also conducted military provocations by dispatching a large number of military aircraft into Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), drawing criticism not only from Taiwan but also from the U.S. and the international community.