2023-09-09 14:40:32
(Beijing) Chinese troops are “constantly on high alert” following the passage of two American and Canadian ships through the Taiwan Strait, a Chinese military spokesperson said on Saturday.
Published at 10:40 a.m.
“The Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army has organized naval and air forces to follow their entire route and remain on alert in accordance with laws and regulations,” the colonel said in Chief Shi Yi.
“Troops in theater remain on constant high alert and will resolutely protect national sovereignty and security, as well as regional peace and stability,” he added in a statement.
The two ships – identified only in the press release as “Johnson” from the United States and “Ottawa” from Canada – “conspicuously displayed” their passage through the waters, the spokesperson said.
Taiwan lives under the constant threat of invasion by China, which considers the island as one of its provinces which it wants to return to its fold, if necessary by force, even if it says it favors a peaceful route.
Washington has recognized Beijing since 1979, but remains Taiwan’s most powerful ally and supports the island’s right to decide its own future.
The United States and its Western allies have stepped up so-called “freedom of navigation” passages by warships in both the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea, to reinforce that both are international waterways, angering Beijing.
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