The United States destroyer USS Higgins and the United Kingdom frigate HMS Richmond have transited the Taiwan Strait, prompting a response from the People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Theater Command, according to Senior Colonel Shi Yi, a spokesperson for the command.

Shi said the activity caused disturbances and provocations and stated that the command deployed naval and air force resources to monitor the situation, and alert the ships throughout their passage.

Shi said the actions of the US and UK sent the wrong signals and undermined peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

He added that the command’s forces remained on high alert and that they would resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, security, and regional peace.