U.S. Navy Conducts First Taiwan Strait Transit Under Trump, Sparks Chinese Condemnation

This week, two U.S. Navy vessels, the USS Ralph Johnson and USNS Bowditch, conducted a routine transit through the Taiwan Strait, marking the first such operation under the Trump administration. The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command emphasized that the transit was in international waters, asserting the right to freedom of navigation. In response, China condemned the U.S. actions, with military spokespersons claiming they increase security risks and signal aggressive intentions. The People's Liberation Army monitored the U.S. ships closely and stated that its forces remain on high alert to safeguard national sovereignty. The Taiwan Strait, recognized as an international waterway, has been frequently traversed by U.S. naval forces to challenge China's territorial claims. This incident reflects ongoing tensions between the U.S. and China regarding Taiwan's status and regional security.