This US Navy photo obtained October 23, 2018 shows the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54)as it participates in a close quarters maneuvering exercise on February 28, 2018 in the Philippine Sea.
(BENJAMIN DOBBS / US NAVY / AFP)
The passage of the United States' guided missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur through the Taiwan Straits on Tuesday has threatened peace and stability in the region, which the Chinese military strongly opposes, the People's Liberation Army Eastern Theater Command said in a statement on Wednesday.
Air Force Senior Colonel Zhang Chunhui, the command's spokesman, said the US action has sent the wrong signals to Taiwan separatist forces, and deliberately disrupted the regional situation and undermined peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits.
Zhang said the PLA Eastern Theater Command resolutely opposes these actions, and has mobilized forces to track and monitor the ship throughout its voyage. "The command is put on guard and ready to respond to any threats and provocations at any moment," he added.
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