Two U.S. Navy warships sail through Taiwan Strait

Two U.S. Navy warships have sailed through the Taiwan Strait, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense said in a statement Monday.

The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur and Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Antietam traversed the strait Monday, U.S. Pacific Fleet confirmed to Business Insider. The U.S. Navy conducted a similar operation in July, sending the destroyers USS Mustin and USS Benfold through the tense waterway.

“USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) and USS Antietam (CG 54) conducted a routine Taiwan Strait Transit on Oct. 22, in accordance with international law,” Cmdr. Nate Christensen, Deputy Spokesman, US Pacific Fleet. ”

“The ships’ transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the U.S. commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” he added. “The U.S. Navy will continue to fly, sail and operate anywhere international law allows.”

The pair of U.S. Navy warships conducted “a routine Taiwan Strait transit in accordance with international law,” Pacific Fleet spokesperson Lt. j.g. Rachel McMarr told BI, adding that the purpose of the mission was to demonstrate “the U.S. commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific” and to remind others that “the U.S. Navy will continue to fly, sail, and operate anywhere international law allows.”

China, concerned that U.S. military actions around Taiwan will embolden pro-independence factions on the self-ruled island, has bolstered its military presence in the area this past year. The Chinese military has sailed its aircraft carrier and accompanying escort ships through the Taiwan Strait and conducted “encirclement” exercises involving fighters, bombers, and other military assets throughout the year.

Beijing perceives Taiwan as a breakaway province and has threatened to take military action if Taiwan attempts to declare independence.