Beijing accuses US of threatening peace in Taiwan Strait

SANAA, May 19 (YPA) – China on Wednesday accused the United States of threatening peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait after a US warship again crossed the Strait separating Taiwan and China.

The U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet said the Curtis Wilbur destroyer, armed with guided missiles, carried out a “routine crossing of the Taiwan Strait” on Tuesday in accordance with international law.

“The ship’s transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the US commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The United States military will continue to fly, sail, and operate anywhere international law allows,” it said.

A spokesman for China’s Eastern  Command expressed strong opposition and condemned the move, which comes amid heightened tensions between the two powers, according to Reuters .

“The US actions sends the wrong signals to Taiwan independence forces, deliberately disrupting the regional situation and   endangering peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait,” he said.

Taiwan’s Defence Ministry said the US ship had sailed in a southerly direction through the strait and the “situation was as normal”.

The US Navy has been conducting such operations every month or so.

E.M