May 18 (UPI) -- The USS Curtis Wilbur transited the Taiwan Strait Tuesday, the Navy announced.
A press release described the trip as a routine transit in accordance with international law, and said it "demonstrates the U.S. commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific."
This is at least the second trip the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile has taken through the Taiwan Strait this year, the first being a freedom-of-navigation transit in February.
Other recent transits in the region -- such as the USS John McCain's trip through the Taiwan Strait last month -- have drawn criticism from the Chinese government.
The 110-mile Taiwan Strait is regarded as international waters, but China has accused the United States of sending erroneous signals to the Taiwan Independence force.
The United States and most other countries have recognized Taiwan as an independent country since 1949, and have sold military equipment to the country since 2015 -- but China regards Taiwan as a breakaway province.
