‘VENDEMIAIRE’: The nation’s armed forces have ‘complete and precise’ information regarding all vessels passing through the Taiwan Strait, President Tsai Ing-wen said
Taipei Times
Date: Apr 26, 2019
By:: Reuters, WASHINGTON
A French warship passed through the Taiwan Strait earlier this month, US officials said, a
A tugboat escorts French Navy frigate Vendemiaire on its arrival for a five-day goodwill visit at a port in Metro Manila, the Philippines, on March 12.Photo: Reuters
rare voyage by a vessel of a European nation that is likely to be welcomed by Washington, but increase tensions with Beijing.
The passage is a sign that US allies are increasingly asserting freedom of navigation in international waters near China, and it could open the door for other allies, such as Japan and Australia, to consider similar operations.
Two officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said a French military vessel carried out the transit on April 6.
One of the officials identified the warship as the French frigate Vendemiaire and said it was shadowed by the Chinese military. [FULL STORY]
