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A US Navy warship has transited the Taiwan Strait, marking the fourth such passage by the US Navy this year.

What’s the deal: On Thursday, the USS Ralph Johnson, a US Navy guided-missile destroyer, transited the Taiwan Strait, marking its first passage in months and the fourth this year. Entering from the South China Sea and exiting into the East China Sea.

How China is reacting: Chinese state media labeled the transit as “provocative,” accusing the US of “hyping up” tensions. PLA Eastern Theater Command spokesperson Senior Col. Li Xi added, “The Eastern Theater Command remains on high alert, and will resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and security, as well as regional peace and stability.”

What the US government is saying: US 7th Fleet spokeswoman Lt. JG Sarah Merrill stated the transit was conducted “to demonstrate the United States’ commitment to upholding lawful use of the sea for all nations as a principle. Ralph Johnson’s transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the US commitment to a stable, free and open Indo-Pacific. The US military flies, sails and operates anywhere international law allows.”

Digging Deeper: The Taiwan Strait, a strategically significant waterway, separates mainland China from Taiwan and spans about 110 miles at its narrowest point. This crucial maritime passage connects the South China Sea with the East China Sea and serves as a key international shipping route.