China military on high alert after US transit through Taiwan strait

China’s military has gone on heightened alert following the passage of two US naval vessels through the Taiwan Strait, according to a statement by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command.

On January 16–17, the US missile destroyer USS John Finn and the oceanographic research vessel USS Mary Sears transited the waterway separating mainland China and Taiwan. The PLA confirmed that its Eastern Theater Command deployed naval and air forces to monitor the vessels’ route in real time.

“The American missile destroyer USS John Finn and the oceanographic research vessel USS Mary Sears passed through the Taiwan Strait on January 16–17,” spokesperson Xu Chenghua said in a statement on WeChat.
Beijing reaffirms position on Taiwan sovereignty
Xu emphasized that PLA forces “are on high alert to resolutely defend state sovereignty and security, as well as to ensure peace and stability in the region.”

Beijing has consistently opposed US military operations near the Taiwan Strait, viewing such actions as interference in its internal affairs.

Heightened tensions in the Taiwan Strait
Taiwan has been governed independently of mainland China since 1949. While the island has its own elected government, Beijing considers it an integral part of Chinese territory. It strongly rejects any foreign state’s official dealings with Taiwan.

China has repeatedly stated that it will respond firmly to any perceived threats to its territorial integrity, especially in sensitive areas like the Taiwan Strait, a vital international waterway and flashpoint in China–US relations.