Two US warships move into Taiwan Strait

Two U.S. warships traveled down the narrow Taiwan Strait between Taiwan and China on Saturday, Taiwanese officials said.

The Taiwanese defense ministry said in a statement that the two ships, the USS Mustin and USS Benfold, entered the waterway Saturday morning, Agence France-Presse reported.

“The military is monitoring the situation in neighbouring areas, and has the confidence and abilities to maintain regional stability and defend national security,” the statement read. 

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Taiwanese officials said the ships were traveling in international waters.

China has claimed that Taiwan is part of the country, while Taiwan views itself as an independent nation.

The warships’ presence comes amid heightened trade tensions between the U.S. and China, after President Trump on Friday imposed steep 25 percent tariffs on $34 billion of Chinese products.

The Chinese government said the U.S. was starting “the biggest trade war in economic history” and promised to retaliate.