U.S. Navy Conducts First Taiwan Strait Transit Under Trump
Two American naval vessels sailed through the Taiwan Strait earlier this week, drawing sharp criticism from China. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) tracked the movement of the ships and warned that such actions increase security risks in the region.
The passage marked the first U.S. Navy transit in the area since President Donald Trump returned to office in January. Unlike previous operations, this transit was not officially announced by the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, raising questions about the change in approach.
China Monitors and Criticizes the Transit
On Monday, the PLA’s Eastern Theatre Command deployed both sea and air forces to monitor the U.S. naval vessels. A spokesperson for the Chinese military stated that the transit of American warships was a provocation that sent “wrong signals” and escalated tensions.
China considers Taiwan a part of its territory and has warned against foreign military operations in the region. However, the United States and its allies view the Taiwan Strait as international waters where freedom of navigation should be upheld.
Details of the U.S. Naval Operation
The U.S. Navy confirmed that two ships, the USS Ralph Johnson, an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, and the USNS Bowditch, a survey ship, completed the transit between Monday and Wednesday.
While Washington described the operation as a “routine freedom of navigation” mission, Beijing saw it as an attempt to challenge its authority over the area. The Taiwanese Ministry of Defense acknowledged the transit and reassured the public that its forces maintained full control over surrounding waters and airspace.
China Responds with Military Drills
Following the U.S. Navy’s passage, China conducted several military exercises in the Taiwan Strait. On Wednesday, the PLA deployed a Huaibei-class frigate, multiple J-10C fighter jets, and J-6K twin-engine bombers to conduct combat readiness patrols.
Chinese state media reported that these drills aimed to enhance the military’s ability to respond to “provocations” and defend national sovereignty. Analysts believe these exercises were a direct response to the U.S. naval presence.
Taiwan Strait: A Hotspot for Military Tensions
The Taiwan Strait, which is around 120 nautical miles wide, has been a frequent site of military activity between China and Western nations. While Beijing claims sovereignty over Taiwan, the U.S. opposes any attempt to change the status quo by force. In recent months, U.S. allies, including Canada, France, and Germany, have also sent warships through the strait to assert freedom of navigation.
The last publicly announced U.S. transit occurred in October 2024 when the USS Higgins, accompanied by a Canadian warship, crossed the waterway. The move was framed as a commitment to international maritime laws.
The Growing U.S.-China Military Standoff
The latest U.S. operation reflects ongoing tensions between Washington and Beijing over Taiwan. China has accused the U.S. of “hyping up” these transits and using them as a tool to contain Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific. Meanwhile, American military officials argue that the Taiwan Strait remains open to all nations, and they will continue conducting similar operations in the future.
China’s military buildup, including frequent air and naval patrols near Taiwan, suggests that Beijing is preparing for a possible confrontation. However, both sides have so far avoided direct conflict, instead relying on diplomatic protests and military posturing.
What Comes Next?
As tensions in the Taiwan Strait escalate, the world watches closely. The U.S. has shown no signs of reducing its presence in the region, while China is becoming more aggressive in its responses.
If military activities continue to increase, there is a risk of accidental confrontations that could lead to a larger crisis. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether tensions ease or spiral further out of control.
