China reacts to US sending warship through Taiwan Strait as island set to inaugurate new president [Video]

The Chinese military has accused America of “hyping” the passage of a US destroyer through the narrow Taiwan Strait and raising tensions less than two weeks before the island’s new president takes office.

The US Navy’s 7th Fleet said the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey passed through the waters in accordance with international law on Wednesday.

The latest mission of the American warship comes at a sensitive time when Taiwan’s new president Lai Ching-te is set to be inaugurated on 20 May. The president-elect has long faced Beijing’s wrath for championing Taiwan’s sovereignty.

In a statement, naval senior captain Li Xi, spokesperson for the Eastern Theatre Command, said the passage of the USS Halsey was monitored by the command which oversees operations around the strait.

“Troops in the theatre are always on high …