One of Taiwan's top military officials yesterday announced that the first Sovremenny-class guided-missile destroyer bought by China had already passed through the Taiwan Strait on its way to join the East China Sea Fleet in coastal Zhejiang province.
Chief of the General Staff Gen-eral Tang Yao-ming (湯曜明) did not specify the time of the passage of the Russian-built ship, but that it had been earlier than local media had speculated.
"A mere fighting ship will not be able to create any disturbance in the Taiwan Strait," Tang said. "But the ship's movement has been under close watch by the military."
Tang declined to comment on whether the passage of the Sovremenny ship through the Strait had anything to do with Taiwan's upcoming presidential election in March. He also added that both sides of the strait were working for peace.
Deputy Minister of National Defense Vice Admiral Fang Show-lu (方壽祿), speaking on the same occasion, said the destroyer was likely accompanied by escort ships or even fighter planes during its passage through the Taiwan Strait.
Fang, a naval officer, called on the public not to make too much fuss about the issue, saying it is quite natural for the ship to move through the Strait during the course of its delivery.
RSS