U.S. destroyer challenges China’s claim of owning Taiwan Strait

The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65) conducted a routine Taiwan Strait transit July 19 (local time) through international waters in accordance with international law. The ship transited through a corridor in the Strait that is beyond the territorial sea of any coastal State. 

The ship’s transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the United States’ commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The United States military flies, sails, and operates anywhere international law allows.

SOUTH CHINA SEA (July 19, 2022) Lt. j.g. Nicole Schiff (left) and Lt. j.g. Dominic Estevez (right) monitor surface contacts from the pilothouse.
SOUTH CHINA SEA (July 19, 2022) Fire Controlman (Aegis) 2nd Class Edison Crafts monitors surface contacts from the combat information center.
SOUTH CHINA SEA (July 19, 2022) Ensign Austin Van Dusen monitors surface contacts from the bridgewing.
SOUTH CHINA SEA (July 19, 2022) Operations Specialist 2nd Class Angel Mariani Questell monitors surface contacts from the combat information center.

All photos credit: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Arthur Rosen. Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65) conducts routine underway operations. Benfold is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. 

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