US Navy ships sail through Taiwan Strait
Two US Navy ships sailed through the Taiwan Strait on 28 November, the third such operation this year and one that is sure to anger China.
Lieutenant Rachel McMarr, a spokeswoman for the US Pacific Fleet, said the destroyer USS Stockdale and oiler USNS Pecos sailed through the strait in a ‘routine’ transit.
‘The ships' transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the US commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific,’ McMarr said in a statement.
‘The US Navy will continue to fly, sail and operate anywhere international law allows.’
Beijing protested after the US Navy sailed two warships through the Taiwan Strait on 22 October, characterizing the move as an affront to its sovereignty.
China still sees Taiwan as part of its territory to be reunified, despite the two sides being ruled separately since the end of a civil war on the mainland in 1949.
A US official told AFP that Chinese ships had asserted a ‘presence’ during 28 November’s sailing, but all interactions between the two navies were ‘safe and professional.’
More from Naval Warfare
-
![UK ‘Hybrid Navy’ steps up as Norway cooperation reinforces Arctic strategy]()
UK ‘Hybrid Navy’ steps up as Norway cooperation reinforces Arctic strategy
As Russia commits billions to new warships and stealth submarines, the UK is reshaping its strategy with expanded troop deployments, shared frigate fleets and a shift towards uncrewed platforms.
-
![US Navy to develop an undersea networking capability to support UUV operations]()
US Navy to develop an undersea networking capability to support UUV operations
The NEREUS project aims to enhance and expand the US Navy’s existing communications systems, enabling crewed/uncrewed seabed and subsurface missions.
-
![How the Hedge Strategy will impact the US Navy’s future capabilities]()
How the Hedge Strategy will impact the US Navy’s future capabilities
The US Navy Hedge Strategy is intended to provide a lethal, modular and cost-effective fleet while accepting Washington’s fiscal and industrial constraints.
-
![US Navy and Raytheon explore additional applications for Mk 58 CRAW torpedo]()
US Navy and Raytheon explore additional applications for Mk 58 CRAW torpedo
Designed as an anti-torpedo and anti-submarine capability, the USN and RTX foresee the Compact Rapid Attack Weapon’s potential for deployment from surface ships and aerial and uncrewed platforms.
-
![European navies line up $105.8 billion in unawarded contracts for 2026]()
European navies line up $105.8 billion in unawarded contracts for 2026
France, Germany and Italy lead the way on unawarded naval defence opportunities that could be awarded this year, but across Europe countries are ramping up their spending efforts to face geopolitical challenges.
-
![RTX Raytheon targets nearly 170% RAM production increase to meet global demand]()
RTX Raytheon targets nearly 170% RAM production increase to meet global demand
The US multinational company is currently assembling 300 Rolling Airframe Missile rounds per year, with plans to reach 800 units annually after significant investment and modernisation of its facilities.
