China's domestically built warship sails through Taiwan Strait

China has dispatched its first domestically made aircraft carrier into the Taiwan Strait, in a move which Taipei describes as an “intimidation” tactic ahead of the islands presidential election.

Taiwan’s defense ministry said in a statement that Beijing had sailed its new aircraft carrier, the Shandong, north through the Strait, without saying exactly when this voyage took place.

“Their entire activities were monitored by our military and we are sure to protect the country’s safety and regional peace and stability,” said the statement.

The carrier group was accompanied by frigates, according to the statement.

Taiwan’s presidential office also reacted to the maneuver, stressing that “It’s the responsibility and duty for the two sides across the strait to maintain peace and stability and strive for the well-being of the people.”

“Beijing should cherish peace and stability across the strait and in the region, which are not easy to come by,” said the office.

A senior Taiwan official accused China on Thursday of trying to meddle in Taiwan’s presidential election — due to be held in January — “by flexing military muscles” in the region.

SS