China condemns sailing of US, British warships through Taiwan Strait

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BEIJING - Chinas military on Friday condemned the sailing of a U.S. and British warship through the sensitive Taiwan Strait, saying it ordered naval and air forces to monitor and warn the two ships.

The Peoples Liberation Armys Eastern Theatre Command said the U.S. destroyer USS Higgins and British frigate HMS Richmond were engaged in trouble-making and provocation.

The actions of the United States and Britain send the wrong signals and undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, it said in a statement.

The U.S. and British militaries did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Last week, a Canadian and an Australian warship also sailed through the strait.

The U.S. Navy and, on occasion, ships from allied countries including Canada, Britain and France transit the strait, which they consider an international waterway, around once a month. Taiwan also considers it an international waterway.

China, which views Taiwan as its own territory, says the strategic waterway is part of its territorial waters. Taiwans government rejects Beijings territorial claims.

China has over the past five years increased its military pressure on the island, including by staging war games nearby. REUTERS