Testing US resolve with this president is a mistake…
US warship sails through the Taiwan Strait hours after China said it was ‘ready to go to war’ with anyone who interferes in its relations with the island
- USS Antietam, a guided missile cruiser, sailed through strait on Wednesday
- 7th Fleet described it as ‘routine’ and ‘in accordance with international law’
- Move likely to inflame tensions with Beijing, which considers Taiwan its territory
- Mission came just hours after China said it was ready to go to war with anyone who ‘try to split Taiwan from the country’
America has sailed a warship through the Taiwan Strait in a move that is likely to inflame tensions with Beijing.
The USS Antietam, part of the Navy’s 7th Fleet, completed a ‘routine’ transit of the strait Wednesday ‘in accordance with international law’, a spokesman said.
It came just hours after China warned that it was ready for war if America decides to interfere in its relationship with the island.
This month, the United States approved sales of weapons requested by Taiwan, including tanks and Stinger missiles, estimated to be worth $2.2 billion.
China said it would impose sanctions on U.S. firms involved in any deals.
Defence Ministry spokesman Wu Qian said: ‘If there are people who dare to try to split Taiwan from the country, China’s military will be ready to go to war to firmly safeguard national sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.’
