US and Canadian military ships cross the Taiwan Strait amid tensions between the island and China – RPP News

US and Canadian Ships: Making Waves in the Taiwan Strait

Ahoy, mates! So, in a rather dramatic twist in global military chess, the USS Higgins—a guided missile destroyer because, let’s face it, simply being a destroyer is so last season—and the HMCS Vancouver, which is surely not named after the fish, decided to take a leisurely stroll through the Taiwan Strait. Nothing like a good naval parade to stir the pot, eh? It’s like they woke up one morning and thought, “What shall we do today? Perhaps tempt fate and China!”

The Maritime Drama Unfolds

So, here we are! As the world holds its breath (or at least raises an eyebrow), the US Navy’s 7th Fleet informs us that this twosome made their “routine transit” through the Strait on October 20. Oh yes, because what’s more routine than sailing right through a geopolitical hotbed that’s got more tension than a tightrope walker at a cat convention? Meanwhile, China’s doing its version of a military self-care day, with a stunning number of aircraft and warships surrounding Taiwan like an overzealous bouncer trying to keep the peace at a nightclub. Talk about a Alex Reed list being tightly controlled!

Freedom of Navigation: A Double-Edged Sword

Now, before we all go getting our flags out and shouting “freedom of navigation for all!”, let’s stop and think. Wasn’t the last guy who tried to navigate through those waters wearing a pirate hat? Freedom of navigation is one of those principles you shout about in international waters, but then again, it does ruffle some feathers—especially when you’re dealing with a country that views your navigation as more of a sticky note on their calendar titled, “Things We Don’t Want You To Do.”

The Beijing Response: A Symphony of Anger

And oh, how the folks in Beijing are responding! They accuse the US and Canada of undermining “peace and stability.” I mean, if feigning innocence was an Olympic sport, they’d be going for gold. After all, what’s more peaceful than a record number of military aircraft and warships surrounding an island you want to claim? Perhaps they’re auditioning for a new reality show: “Keeping Up with the Tensions” where they get to showcase their power moves—literally!

It’s Complicated: Taiwan and the One China Policy

Let’s add some drama to our story! Underneath all of this is Taiwan, caught in the crossfire like the sandwich anyone dares to buy on a budget at a deli. You see, Beijing hasn’t quite made peace with the idea that Taiwan enjoys being independent. They view it as not just a sibling rivalry, but a family feud that would make any soap opera look like a children’s bedtime story. With threats of force lingering like an unwanted Alex Reed, one can’t help but wonder if they’ll ever just sit down and hash it all out over a tea and crumpets.

Conclusion: The Winds of Change

As our naval drama unfolds, it seems the Taiwan Strait is going to remain a stage for geopolitical performances where each country gets a turn to show off its military prowess. The US and Canada are clearly in it for the long game, flying their flags high. Meanwhile, China’s playing hard to get, doing its best to project it has the upper hand.

So, grab your popcorn, folks! It looks like the tides are shifting but one thing’s for sure—this show is far from over!

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Stay tuned for more thrilling updates from the geopolitical front, and who knows? Maybe one day they’ll all decide to just share a boat and call it a day. Until then, keep those life rafts handy!

A US and a Canadian military ship crossed the waters separating China and Taiwan on Sunday, a week after Beijing conducted large-scale military exercises in the area.

“The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Higgins and the Royal Canadian Navy Halifax-class frigate HMCS Vancouver conducted a routine transit through the Taiwan Strait on October 20,” the US Navy’s 7th Fleet reported in a statement. a statement.

► China asks the United States to lift the embargo and sanctions against Cuba after the blackouts on the island

“The transit of the Higgins and the Vancouver demonstrates the commitment of the United States and Canada to defending the principle of freedom of navigation for all countries” in the strait.

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The United States and its allies regularly pass through the Strait of 180 kilometers to reaffirm its status as an international thoroughfare, which infuriates Beijing.

China said Monday that the actions of the United States and Canada endanger “peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

Beijing considers Taiwan as part of its territory and has not renounced the use of force to take control of the island.

China mobilized a record number of military aircraft, as well as warships and coast guard vessels to surround Taiwan on October 14, in its fourth round of large-scale maneuvers in two years. (With information from AFP)