US warships' transit risky provocation

Editor's note: From Feb 10 to 12, the United States' destroyer Johnston and the ocean survey ship Bowditch transited the Taiwan Strait. The Eastern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army closely monitored the entire passage of the US ships and strongly condemned the transit. Three experts share their views on this issue with China Daily's Yao Yuxin. Excerpts follow:

Chinese military always on standby

The US warships sailed through the Taiwan Strait for the first time in 2025, showcasing a "new twist" in its passage. This mission was carried out by a destroyer paired with an oceanographic survey ship, marking a departure from previous instances where two destroyers or similar vessels were involved in the passage. The participation of a survey ship in this operation was unprecedented.

Furthermore, unlike previous transits, this US naval passage through the Taiwan Strait lasted longer, spanning from the 10 to 12, likely due to the involvement of the survey ship. The survey ship could conduct measurements while underway, mapping the underwater geological structures of the strait, collecting hydrological and meteorological data, and employing towed sonar arrays for underwater surveillance, showcasing strong maritime military intelligence-gathering capabilities.

The Eastern Theater Command proactively disclosed the provocative behavior of US warships sailing through the Taiwan Strait to prevent any misinformation and present the true facts to the public.

It should be noted that regardless of the new tactics employed by the US military, their actions send a wrong signal to the "Taiwan independence" forces. On Feb 12, the Eastern Theater Command also released a Lantern Festival poster indicating that the officials and soldiers of the Eastern Theater Command are always ready for battle even during festivals to safeguard the peace and tranquility of the people on both sides of the strait. The passage of the US warship through the Taiwan Strait during the holiday period precisely tests the combat readiness of the troops and demonstrates the PLA's ability to be on standby at all times and ready for combat.

Zhang Junshe is a military expert.