Chinese think tank notes changing risks: ‘China will inevitably respond, and that makes the overall situation appear more tense’
The US military scaled back and kept a low profile for its transits through the Taiwan Strait last year in contrast with increased passage by its allies, according to a report released by a leading Chinese think tank.
The report said the “notable rise” in transits by non-US extra-regional countries began in 2024, with growing involvement by European and Oceanic countries compared with the previously dominant US and Canada.
Hu Bo, director of the think tank, said such transits did not pose a direct military threat to mainland China, but were increasingly politicised, drawing criticism from Beijing.
“A military vessel transiting the Taiwan Strait is actually at a tactical disadvantage because the strait’s hydrographic conditions are not favourable for large warships,” Hu said.
Source: News - South China Morning Post
