CNO urges China to avoid confrontations, refuses to back down on Taiwan Strait

https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2019/01/18/cno-urges-china-to-avoid-confrontations-refuses-to-back-down-on-taiwan-strait/

CNO urges China to avoid confrontations, refuses to back down on Taiwan Strait

By: Mari Yamaguchi, The Associated Press ?  18 hours ago

TOKYO — The U.S. Navy’s top officer said he urged China to follow international rules at sea to avoid confrontations and insisted Friday that ships should be able to pass safely though disputed areas of the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait. Chief of U.S. Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson told reporters in Tokyo that U.S. Navy ships will continue to operate freely in international waters, including the possibility of an aircraft carrier navigating through the Taiwan Strait. Richardson, who held meetings in China earlier this week, said he told Chinese officials that the U.S. is committed to a one-China policy and is opposed to any unilateral action “from either side of the strait” to change the status quo.

Richardson said the U.S. considers the Taiwan Strait as international waters. “We don’t see any kind of limitation on whatever type of ship could pass through those waters,” he said.

His comment follows new tensions between the U.S. and China over Taiwan that have already been frayed over military and trade issues. A report issued earlier this week by the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency said China's growing military capabilities could pose a threat to Taiwan, angering Beijing.

Washington is concerned that China is opting to use military force to deter Taiwan’s possible independence.
(snip)