Two U.S. Warships Pass Through Taiwan Strait In 7th Transit Since 2018

Navy file photos of guided-missile destroyers USS William P. Lawrence (DDG-110) (top) and USS Stethem (DDG-63) (bottom).Two U.S. guided-missile destroyers conducted a transit through the strait separating Taiwan and mainland China on Sunday, U.S. 7th Fleet officials told USNI News on Monday. USS Stethem (DDG-63) and USS William P. Lawrence (DDG-110) passed through the 110-mile-wide strait in overnight transit.

U.S. Navy Warships — Image Credits: usni.org

“The ships’ transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the U.S. commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The U.S. Navy will continue to fly, sail and operate anywhere international law allows,” Cmdr. Clay Doss, a U.S. 7th Fleet spokesman, told USNI News in a Monday statement.

U.S. officials said that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) interactions with the two destroyers were “safe and professional.” Chinese Foreign Minister Geng Shuang told reporters Monday that Beijing had paid “close attention” to the transit.

“The Taiwan issue is the most important and sensitive issue in Sino-U.S. relations,” Geng said, according to The Japan Times.

U.S. Navy Taiwan Strait Transits

Jul 7, 2018	USS Benfold (DDG-65), USS Mustin (DDG-92)
Oct 22, 2018	USS Antietam (CG-54), USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG-54)
Nov 28, 2018	USS Stockdale (DDG-106), USNS Pecos (T-AO-197)
Jan 24, 2019	USS McCampbell (DDG-85), USS Walter Dielh (T-AO-193)
Feb 25, 2019	USS Stethem (DDG-63), USNS Ceasar Chavez (T-AKE-14)
March 24, 2019	USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG-54), USCGC Bertholf (WSML-750)
April 28, 2019	USS Stethem (DDG-63), USS William P. Lawrence (DDG-110)

This was the seventh transit since the U.S. Navy resumed regular passages in July 2018, after a pause of about a year. Destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG-54) and Coast Guard cutter USCGC Bertholf (WSML-750) last made the transit in March.

Reuters first reported the passage late Sunday.

The passage comes days after the PLAN had celebrated its 70th anniversary. While U.S. allies Japan and South Korea sent representatives to the ceremonies, there was no American presence.

Reference: usni.org

Disclaimer :
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. While we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.

Do you have info to share with us ? Suggest a correction

About Author

Marine Insight News Network is a premier source for up-to-date, comprehensive, and insightful coverage of the maritime industry. Dedicated to offering the latest news, trends, and analyses in shipping, marine technology, regulations, and global maritime affairs, Marine Insight News Network prides itself on delivering accurate, engaging, and relevant information.