The
Shandong, commissioned in 2019, last transited the sensitive
strait in early November. The latest sailing comes about one
month before presidential and parliamentary elections on the
island.
The ministry said in a statement that the formation sailed south
through the strait but kept to the western side of the
waterway's median line - the Chinese side of the unofficial
barrier between the two.
China says the Taiwan Strait is not an international waterway
and that it alone has sovereignty there, which both Taiwan and
the United States dispute.
Taiwan dispatched "appropriate" forces to keep watch on the
formation, the ministry added, without elaborating.
"The security and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region are
closely related to global development and stability, and are
obligations and responsibilities that all parties in the region
must share," the ministry said.
Taiwan's military will "prepare for war without seeking war",
strengthen its self-defense capabilities, and respond to
regional threats, it added.
China's defense ministry did not immediately respond to a
request for comment.
During the past four years Taiwan has repeatedly complained of
stepped-up Chinese military activity nearby, including fighters
and drones crossing the strait's median line.
Last week, Taiwan reported a rare night mission by China's air
force over the strait.
Taiwan is on high alert for Chinese activities, both military
and political, ahead of its election, especially what Taipei
views as Beijing's efforts to interfere in the ballot to get
electors to vote for candidates China may prefer.
Vice President Lai Ching-te and running mate Hsiao Bi-khim from
the ruling Democratic Progressive Party are leading in the
polls. China views them as separatists and has rebuffed Lai's
offers of talks.
(Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Edmund Klamann and Gerry
Doyle)
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