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The conflict between the US and China, which was sparked by the visit of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan earlier this month, is escalating again.
In response to China's large-scale armed protests, the US forces passed a warship through the Taiwan Strait, which China strongly protests.
Correspondent Seungmo Nam from Washington.
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On the 28th local time in Taiwan, the US 7th Fleet officially announced that two missile cruisers were passing through the Taiwan Strait.
The 7th Fleet said the Antinum and Chancellorsville were passing through the Taiwan Strait, where freedom of navigation and flight on the high seas is governed by international law.
As Taiwan is its territory, it will not accept China's claim that it has sovereign rights over the Taiwan Strait.
John Kirby, National Security Council Strategic Communicator, said this was a long-planned operation, and emphasized that this is a clear and consistent message that navigation, flight and operation will be carried out wherever international law permits.
[John Kirby / Strategic Communications Coordinator for the National Security Council of the US White House: This voyage is very consistent with our one-China policy and our desire to continue working toward a free and open Indo-Pacific.]
The Chinese side immediately objected.
The Eastern District of the People's Liberation Army, which has jurisdiction over Taiwan, denounced the US over blatantly creating the problem through a spokesperson.
[China CCTV (Eastern District Spokesperson
Statement): All units in the Eastern District maintain a high alert and are ready to thwart any provocations at any time.]
They said they were caught in large numbers.
In particular, some reported that they crossed the midline of the strait, which is the actual boundary with Taiwan, or invaded the air defense identification zone.
After Pelosi's visit, tensions between the two countries enter a new phase as China continues to press down on Taiwan and the US pushes through warships.