China

China Condemns US Warship Transit Through Taiwan Strait

APR 27 2022·Updated JAN 20 2023

Story

Image credit: AP [via Washington Post]

The Facts

On Wed., China protested the passage of a US warship through the Taiwan Strait, which occurred on Tues. The PLA's Eastern Theatre Command accused the US of sending the "wrong signals to 'Taiwan independence' forces" by provoking China.
Reuters
According to a statement from the US 7th Fleet stationed in Japan, the USS Sampson conducted a routine transit through the Taiwan Strait in accordance with international law, affriming it demonstrated the "United States' commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific."
Military
In mid-Mar., a US warship also transited the strait. China condemned this action as "very dangerous."
The Washington Times
US Sec. of State Antony Blinken said that Washington was determined to support Taiwan against any potential attack, "including unilateral action by China."
South China Morning Post
Meanwhile, Beijing called on Washington to adhere to the One-China policy. Defense Minister Wei Fenghe stressed that the PLA would "resolutely safeguard" China's "national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity."
Newsweek

Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Anti-China narrative

The US' traditional strategy of ambiguity with regard to Taipei must be reformed in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Washington must stand for freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in the Pacific.

Project Syndicate

Pro-China narrative

The US should respect the agreed upon One-China policy. The PRC doesn't want a conflict but it's prepared to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

China Daily