US Asserts Freedom of Navigation Via Warship Transit in Taiwan Strait After Chinese War Drills

The United States Navy's USS Milius transited the Taiwan Strait on Sunday, only days after China concluded its current round of war maneuvers surrounding Taiwan, in what it called a "routine" operation on Monday.

China, which claims Taiwan as part of its sovereignty, finished three days of military drills surrounding the island on Monday, during which it simulated precise attacks and a blockade.

Beijing held the exercises to show its displeasure with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen's interaction with US House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy, which it saw as an intervention in China's domestic affairs and American backing for Taiwan's separateness from China, according to Reuters.

The United States Navy's 7th Fleet confirmed that the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Milius performed a "routine Taiwan Strait transit" in areas where "high-seas freedoms of navigation and overflight" apply under "international law." Moreover, The US Navy warship's transit affirmed US support for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

US-China Tensions Over Taiwan Flare Up

On Monday, China noted that it had closely followed the USS Milius across the Taiwan Strait and accused the US of sensationalizing the transit.

Colonel Shi Yi, a spokesperson for the Chinese military, stated that the local forces remain highly alert at all times and will "resolutely defend" China's independence, safety, and "regional peace and stability," per Al Jazeera.

The Chinese military finally ended its three days of military exercises on Monday. However, Taipei's Ministry of National Defense said that in the preceding 24 hours, 18 Chinese military aircraft and four navy vessels had been identified as operating near Taiwan.

The USS Milius came within striking distance of the Chinese-controlled Mischief Reef islands last week, an act that Beijing deemed unlawful, according to DW.