[ad_1]
The warships, the USS Mustin and the USS Benfold, are heading north, according to the official, and are the first US warships to cross the strait since July 2017, when the USS John S. McCain performs the transit. The move, reported by several media, comes against a backdrop of growing tensions between the Trump administration and China over trade, North Korea and the South China Sea
Captain Charlie Brown, spokesperson of the Pacific Fleet, called the "
" US Navy ships transiting between the South China Sea and the East China Sea through the Taiwan Strait, and this for many years, " said Brown
. across the strait and continues to claim Taiwan, a self-governing democratic island, which she sees as a separatist province. The US Navy has not used aircraft carriers in this region since 2007.
China and Taiwan have been governed separately since the end of the Chinese Civil War nearly 70 years ago.
Although Beijing and Taipei consider the island to be part of "China" – a term open to the interpretation of each party – neither government recognizes the legitimacy of the opposing side
. Despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties, Taiwan remains an important American ally in the region, and the Trump administration has sought to strengthen ties between Washington and Taipei. [19659002] President Donald Trump made headlines when he became the first US-elected president to accept a congratulatory phone call from Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen
. S also continues to sell advanced weapons to Taiwan to assist in its defense under the requirements of the Taiwan Relations Act, which is sanctioned by Beijing.
Source link
