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US releases video showing close-call in Taiwan Strait with Chinese destroyer

by Ryan Lee
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US-China Naval Encounter in Taiwan Strait

On Monday, the U.S. military unveiled footage demonstrating a perilous encounter in the Taiwan Strait involving a Chinese destroyer that executed a sharp turn across the path of an American vessel. This incident obliged the American ship to decelerate to avoid collision.

The precarious incident took place on Saturday when the American destroyer, the USS Chung-Hoon, and the Canadian frigate, the HMCS Montreal, were conducting a ‘freedom of navigation’ voyage across the strait between Taiwan and mainland China.

China regards Taiwan, a self-governing democratic island, as its own territory and considers the strait to be part of its exclusive economic zone. Contrarily, the U.S. and its allies regularly traverse and fly above this passage to stress their belief that these waters are international.

During this Saturday journey, the Chinese guided-missile destroyer overtook the Chung-Hoon from its left side and then darted across its front at a range of about 150 yards (137 meters), as per the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. The American ship maintained its trajectory, but reduced speed to 10 knots to prevent a crash, as stated by the military.

The video made public on Monday depicts the Chinese vessel veering across the American ship’s path, and then aligning itself to commence sailing parallel to the U.S. destroyer.

The Indo-Pacific Command noted that such maneuvers violated the international maritime laws regarding safe passage.

The Canadian frigate, which was trailing the American destroyer, was not subjected to a similar action by the Chinese ship.

The transit of the Chung-Hoon and Montreal through the Taiwan Strait showcases the joint U.S.-Canadian commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, according to the Indo-Pacific Command. The U.S. military continues to operate safely and responsibly wherever international law permits.

There has been a recent allegation from the U.S. accusing China of executing an ‘unnecessarily aggressive maneuver’ in the air. The incident involved a Chinese J-16 fighter jet that flew directly in front of a U.S. Air Force reconnaissance aircraft over the South China Sea late last month.

These precarious encounters have raised concerns about a potential mishap that could escalate tensions between the two nations’ militaries, which are already running high in the region.

The episode in the Taiwan Strait occurred on the same day that both U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Chinese Defense Minister Gen. Li Shangfu were attending an annual defense conference in Singapore.

Gen. Li expressed on Sunday that the U.S. and its allies are the ones instigating danger with their patrols, aiming to provoke China. He suggested that countries should avoid close encounters near other nations’ territories.

Austin had extended an invitation to Li for a side conversation during the conference, which Li declined.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about US-China Naval Encounter in Taiwan Strait

What was the encounter in the Taiwan Strait between the US and China?

The encounter in the Taiwan Strait involved a Chinese destroyer executing a dangerous maneuver by crossing the path of an American destroyer. This forced the US vessel to slow down to avoid a collision.

Why were the US and Canadian ships in the Taiwan Strait?

The US and Canadian ships were conducting a “freedom of navigation” transit in the Taiwan Strait. This is a common practice by the US and its allies to assert that these waters are international and not exclusive to China.

What are the implications of these close encounters?

These close encounters raise concerns about potential accidents and the escalation of tensions between the US and China. Given the already high tensions in the region, such incidents can further strain the relationship between the two countries.

What is the response from China regarding these incidents?

China’s Defense Minister suggested that the US and its allies are responsible for creating the danger with their patrols and accused them of provoking China. He emphasized that countries should mind their own business and avoid close actions near other nations’ territories.

How are these incidents impacting US-China relations?

These incidents contribute to the already complex and strained relations between the US and China. They underscore the ongoing competition and potential for conflict in the Indo-Pacific region, heightening concerns about stability and the risk of escalation.

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