The United States deliberately creates tension and disturbs peace and stability, Reuters reported referring to China’s military.

The US Navy said the guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain “conducted a routine Taiwan Strait transit Feb. 4 in accordance with international law”. The Taiwan defense ministry described this as a "normal" mission.

The Eastern Theatre Command of China’s People’s Liberation Army reported that its forces were following the ship and tracking its location. “The U.S. move is a repeat of its old trick of ‘mixed manipulation’ of the situation across the Taiwan Strait, deliberately creating tensions and disrupting regional peace and stability. We are resolutely opposed to this,” it said.

“No matter how the situation in the Taiwan Strait changes, theatre troops will loyally perform their duties and mission, resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.”

Last year, the US Navy crossed the narrow Taiwan Strait 13 times.

The government of US President Joe Biden is seeking to show its support for Taiwan by calling its commitment to the island "rock solid."