On September 16, the United States and United Kingdom’s joint passage through Taiwan’s Strait. At the time of China’s newest aircraft carrier, the Fujian was undergoing neighboring sea drills, sparked interest from many. Across the 110-mile-wide stretch of water, the Pentagon reported the U.S. Navy’s guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson, and the Royal Navy’s HMS Richmond, undertaking what was purported a routine exercise, in compliance with international law.
Western military activity in a sensitive waterway
The increased activity from the U.S and with the United Kingdom, was enough indication there had already been a rise in previous tension and unease within the surrounding area. This was confirmed through China’s neutral resolve, disdainfully casing the edge of the married waters, averting a possible diplomatic stone fence.
Monitoring the passage was China’s military, as both the U.S and British ships advanced. China prepared their formidable PRC Eastern Southern Soldiers. A representative of the PLA said:
“The troops deployed to the theater maintain a posture of heightened readiness at all times, and will absolutely defend the national sovereignty and security, as well as the peace and stability of the region.”
This shows how Beijing has always said that to cross Taiwan’s military operations is hostile and trespassing over China’s border.
The timing of the transit
The timing of the transit with the sea trials of the Fujian, China’s most advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian, is a feature that all of the its predecessors. Its presence in the region during the U.S.-UK transit added a layer of complexity to the already sensitive situation.
As stated by USNI News:
“The transit occurred while China’s third aircraft carrier, Fujian, was undergoing its initial sea trials, a milestone in Beijing’s endeavors to modernize its navy.”
The contrast of the Western warships and China’s latest carrier emphasizes the intense strategic rivalry in the Indo-Pacific region.
Despite the fact that the USA and other countries still see Taiwan as part of China, they have been supporting the island with military and arms sales as well with diplomatic visits.
In regard to the Rest of the World including Taiwan, the US and UK assert that their operations within the Taiwan Strait are in support of the principle of free access to open waters.
A navy representative remarked:
“The ship’s transit across the Taiwan Strait signifies the Indo-Pacific’s freedom and openness.”
This has been the American position, and it said the same about naval activities in contested areas, like the South China Sea.
What the rest of the world is saying
The US and British ships came to the joint border at the height of new tensions between China and Western nations over Taiwan, which China sees as a lost province. The U.S. and allies also do not recognize them as an independent state, but their support is continuing to grow.
The South China Morning Post remarked on the new passage of war vessels as a step to worsening the relations between China and other Western nations, especially at the same time that China is increasing its own military activities in that area.
The presence of the Fujian during the transit, is a note on China’s increasing military power, and its will to defend its rights to the Taiwan Strait. The balance of power in the Indo-Pacific is exemplified by the US-UK transit of the Taiwan Strait with the Fujian during her sea trials. The mission was said to be protecting international law and following the principle of freedom of navigation, but it also served as a message of Western will to Beijing. Such encounters will continue to be a focus of China’s modernization.