ASIA PACIFIC

U.S. sends two warships through Taiwan Strait just days after China marks 70th anniversary of navy

The guided-missile destroyer USS William P. Lawrence practices ship maneuvers as it transits the Pacific Ocean last June. | U.S. NAVY

By Jesse Johnson
Staff Writer

Apr 29, 2019

The U.S. Navy sailed warships through the Taiwan Strait on Sunday and Monday, a move that angered China just days after it marked the 70th anniversary of its navy.

The guided-missile destroyers USS Stethem and USS William P. Lawrence "conducted a routine Taiwan Strait transit on April 28-29," U.S. 7th Fleet spokesman Cmdr. Clay Doss told The Japan Times, adding that the sailing has been done "in accordance with international law."

"The ships' transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the U.S. commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific," Doss said. "The U.S. Navy will continue to fly, sail and operate anywhere international law allows."

U.S. sends two warships through Taiwan Strait just days after China marks 70th anniversary of navy

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