A Chinese military spokesperson on Thursday voiced resolute opposition to the sailing of two U.S. warships through the Taiwan Strait.
"The move by the U.S. warships has sent a wrong signal to separatist elements advocating 'Taiwan independence' and seriously endangered peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait," said Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense.
Two U.S. destroyers sailed through the Taiwan Strait in formation on Thursday. In response, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) sent naval and air forces to track and monitor the warships throughout the process.
This was another act of flexing muscles and provocation by the U.S. destroyers after a U.S. warship sailed through the Taiwan Strait on Dec. 18, Wu noted.
"The PLA will always be on high alert and ready to deal with all threats and provocations to resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity," Wu said.
