Two US warships have sailed through the Taiwan Strait (Image: USNavy)
The voyage risks further heightening tensions with China, which considers Taiwan its own and has not ruled out the use of force to bring the self-ruled island under its control. Taiwan's defence ministry said in a statement late on Thursday the ships were moving in a northerly direction and their voyage was in accordance with regulations. It said Taiwan closely monitored the operation to "ensure the security of the seas and regional stability".
The operation - the first in 2019 - will likely be viewed in Taiwan as a sign of support from US President Donald Trump's government amid growing friction between Taipei and Beijing.
China's foreign ministry responded by urging the United States to abide by its "one China" principle.
Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying made the remarks at a regular briefing, adding that China closely followed the US warships' passage through the Strait.
China has stepped up pressure on Taiwan since President Tsai Ing-wen, from the pro-independence ruling party, took office in 2016. It has regularly sent military aircraft and ships to circle the island on drills in the past few years.
Rui Yuan drones are now being used by Taiwan to monitor activity in the area (Image: REUTERS)
Beijing sent several bombers and aircraft through the Bashi Channel, which separates Taiwan from the Philippines, earlier on Thursday, Taiwan's defence ministry said in a separate statement.
A similar Chinese operation was conducted on Tuesday, the ministry said, and both were monitored closely, with Taiwan making use of new Rui Yuan drones to obtain footage.
Chinese President Xi Jinping said in early January China reserves the right to use force to bring Taiwan under its control. In response, Tsai vowed to defend the island's democracy and called for international support to protect Taiwan's way of life.
Mr Trump recently signed into law the Asia Reassurance Initiative Act reaffirming the US commitment to
