In Rare Move, French Warship Passes Through Taiwan Strait

In Rare Move, French Warship Passes Through Taiwan Strait
Tugboat escorts French Navy frigate Vendemiaire on arrival for a 5-day goodwill visit at a port in Metro Manila, Philippines on March 12, 2018. Romeo Ranoco/Reuters
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WASHINGTON—A French warship passed through the strategic Taiwan Strait this month, U.S. officials told Reuters, a rare voyage by a vessel of a European country that is likely to be welcomed by Washington but increase tensions with Beijing.

The passage is a sign that U.S. allies are increasingly asserting freedom of navigation in international waterways near China. It could open the door for other allies, such as Japan and Australia, to consider similar operations.