PLA mobilizes forces as US naval vessel transits Taiwan Straits

The People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theater Command mobilized its air and naval forces to monitor the USS Curtis Wilbur's passage through the Taiwan Straits on Wednesday, the command's spokesman said on Thursday.

"The move by the US naval vessel brought risks to the Straits and deliberately compromised peace and stability in the region. We strongly oppose such acts," senior colonel Zhang Chunhui said in a statement, adding that forces of his command are always on high alert to respond to any possible threats or provocations.

Based in Yokosuka, Japan, the Curtis Wilbur is an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer and is part of the US Seventh Fleet's Destroyer Squadron 15.

The US warship's move on Wednesday marked the second transit in Taiwan Straits by any US naval vessel this month.