China's military has sharply criticized the United States after two U.S. vessels sailed through the Taiwan Strait this week, escalating tensions in one of Asia's most sensitive waterways. The move comes just days into 2026, signaling potential geopolitical turbulence ahead.
Senior Colonel Xu Chenghua, spokesperson for the PLA Eastern Theater Command, confirmed today that Chinese forces "closely monitored" the USS John Finn destroyer and USNS Mary Sears survey ship during their January 16-17 transit. 🇨🇳✈️ Naval and air assets were deployed to track the ships in real time, according to an official statement.
Why it matters: The Taiwan Strait remains a flashpoint in U.S.-China relations. Beijing views such transits as challenges to its sovereignty claims over the Taiwan region. Xu emphasized that the PLA remains "on high alert" to protect what China calls its "core interests."
While the U.S. Navy maintains these operations demonstrate commitment to a "free and open Indo-Pacific," Chinese state media has compared the maneuvers to "playing with fire" near China's doorstep. 🔥🇺🇸
Young professionals and students tracking Asian security issues should note: This incident follows increased military activity in the region, with China conducting "combat readiness patrols" earlier this month. Analysts suggest 2026 could see more such standoffs as both powers test strategic boundaries.
