China Condemns US Warship Transit Through Taiwan Strait

Image copyright: AP [via Washington Post]

The Facts

  • On Wed., China protested the passage of a US warship through the Taiwan Strait, which occurred on Tues. The PLA's Eastern Theatre Command accused the US of sending the "wrong signals to 'Taiwan independence' forces" by provoking China.

  • According to a statement from the US 7th Fleet stationed in Japan, the USS Sampson conducted a routine transit through the Taiwan Strait in accordance with international law, affriming it demonstrated the "United States' commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific."


The Spin

Anti-China narrative

The US' traditional strategy of ambiguity with regard to Taipei must be reformed in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Washington must stand for freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in the Pacific.

Pro-China narrative

The US should respect the agreed upon One-China policy. The PRC doesn't want a conflict but it's prepared to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity.


Metaculus Prediction


Go Deeper


Establishment split

CRITICAL

PRO