US Warships Pass Through Taiwan Strait

US Warships Pass Through Taiwan Strait
Shiyu, or Lion Islet, which is part of Kinmen county, one of Taiwan's offshore islands, is seen in front of China's Xiamen, on Lieyu island, Kinmen county, Taiwan on Aug. 20, 2018. Tyrone Siu/Reuters
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TAIPEI—The United States sent two warships through the Taiwan Strait on Jan. 24 in the first such operation this year, the Taiwan government said, as it increases the frequency of transits through the strategic waterway to the concern of China.

The passage by the U.S. ships will likely be viewed in Taiwan as a sign of support from U.S. President Donald Trump’s government amid growing friction between the self-ruled island and Beijing.