The Navy just announced the 10th transit of the Taiwan Strait by a U.S. warship this year, the most since 2016.

The National Interest
Date: August 26, 2020
By: Caleb Larson

In a press release, the U.S. Navy announced that a hardy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, the USS Mustin transited through the Taiwan Strait, which the Navy called “routine” and “in accordance with international law.”

It’s been a busy year for the U.S. Navy in the Pacific, and in the South China Sea in particular.

Concurrent to the USS Mustin’s transit, the United States is also hosting the Rim of the Pacific maritime exercise (RIMPAC). This year’s biennial exercise, which is the world’s largest international maritime exercise, is somewhat reduced due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, it still includes “ten nations, 22 surface ships, one submarine, multiple aircraft, and approximately 5,300 personnel.” This year’s exercises forwent land maneuvers in favor of sea-only exercises in an effort to reduce the spread of the coronavirus amongst military personnel and the people of Hawaii.

The USS Mustin’s recent voyage marks the tenth time this year that an American warship has transited through the Taiwan Strait, the highest number since 2016 and coincidentally the last time that China participated in the RIMPAC exercises.    [FULL  STORY]