A U.S. warship sailed through the sensitive Taiwan Strait on Thursday, part of what the U.S. military calls routine activity but which has incensed China. In recent years, U.S. warships, and occasionally from allied nations such as Britain and Canada, have sailed through the strait, drawing utmost indignation from China which claims Taiwan as its integral territory with a democratically elected government.
In a statement, the U.S. military aid declared that the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer Chung-Hoon carried out the transit.
US feigned commitment to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific
The sailing of the US warship “Chung-Hoon’ through the militarily critical ‘Taiwan Strait’ displays Washington’s intentions to explore and wield influence on the region including Indo-Pacific. However, authorities in America have stressed upon US commitment to ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.
But, in the bargain, the United States has angered Beijing. In a statement, Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for China’s embassy in Washington, said China firmly denounces the indiscriminate move of America and advocates for an immediate halt of such provocative actions that is ought to escalate tensions, undermining peace and stability across the region.
China claims recent US exercises are nothing but flexing muscles
“U.S. warships often flex muscles on the pretext of exercising freedom of navigation. The Chinese spokesperson reiterated that such intimidation tactics of the US cannot be termed as freedom for navigation. China will continue to remain vigilant and will be ready to thwart any provocative threats while safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Taiwan sees nothing wrong with US military navigation
Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry observed nothing unusual about the movement of US ships in the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan corroborated the US statement by claiming that it was a routine exercise and freedom of navigation cannot be impeded besides the Chinese allegations were fraught with chicanery and deception.
The ruling party of China – ‘The Republic of China’ was overthrown by the Communists in 1949 and driven to Taiwan
The Taiwan Strait has a disputed and acrimonious history since 1949 when the Republic of China government was overthrown by the Communists in a violent clash that led to their fleeing to Taiwan. The civil war in China in 1949 led to the establishment of the People’s Republic of China.
The relationship between the United States and Taiwan has no diplomatic sanctity but Washington is bound by the International Law of mutual existence to provide the island with the means of defending itself.
Meanwhile, China has stepped up its intentions to annexe Taiwan and has never ruled out using force to bring the island country under its control. Taiwan vows to defend itself if attacked, saying Beijing’s sovereignty claims are void as the People’s Republic of China has never governed the island.
US naval exercise is an indirect challenge to China
Against this backdrop, the recent US naval exercise is an indirect challenge to China for an anticipated incursion of Taiwan. The multi-polar world looks forward to the heightened tensions between the two superpowers with varied interests. And with Ukraine – Russia war remaining unabated, a fresh skirmish may not be warranted in the larger interest of the world, when there is a perilous energy crisis coupled with increased inflation and global hunger index. Apart from the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the 21st Century warfare will largely be fought without a bullet being shot as the treatise of ‘Art of war’ by the ancient military strategist ‘Sun Tzu’ advocated – The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.
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