A day after the British Financial Times newspaper revealed that China had tested a hypersonic missile with nuclear capability that surprised US intelligence, the United States said on Sunday (17) that it had carried out a military exercise. with Canada in the Taiwan Strait last time. the week.
The announcement has heightened tensions with China, which maintains its stance of reconnecting Taiwan, considered by Beijing to be a rebellious province – but which in practice has full administrative autonomy.
According to U.S. military personnel, the U.S. Arleigh Burke-type guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey and Canadian frigate HMCS Winnipeg crossed the strait between mainland China and the island of Taiwan between Thursday (14) and Friday. (15).
“The transit of Dewey and Winnipeg through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the commitment of the United States and our allies and partners to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the US military said on Sunday.
The Chinese government reacted to the announcement, saying the military exercises threatened peace and stability in the region. Xi Jinping’s regime has made repeated military incursions into what is known as Adiz, the Taiwan Air Defense Identification Zone. Adiz includes an area that extends beyond Taiwanese airspace, but which is monitored and monitored by the island’s government.
A total of 150 Chinese planes entered Adiz in just four days earlier this month, raising the temperature between Beijing and Taipei. The aircraft, however, did not enter Taiwan airspace and was concentrated only in the southwestern part of the identification area.
In response to the U.S. announcement on Sunday, the Eastern Joint Command of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army said it was monitoring foreign ships and standing guard during the crossing.
“The United States and Canada have joined together to provoke and cause unrest, gravely endangering peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait,” the military agency said. “Taiwan is part of Chinese territory. The command forces always maintain a high alert and resolutely oppose all threats and provocations.
On Sunday, the Taiwanese Defense Ministry said China had returned to Adiz, this time with three planes, two J-16 fighters and anti-submarine equipment.
The US Navy crosses the strait almost monthly, to the chagrin of Beijing, which accuses Washington of fueling regional tensions. United States allies, such as the United Kingdom, sometimes accompany American forces.
The announcement of the exercises follows the revelation of the hypersonic missile tested by China in August, which circled the earth before accelerating towards its target, demonstrating an advanced military capability that took US intelligence by surprise. This type of missile flies at five times the speed of sound and is maneuverable, which makes it more difficult to follow.
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