As Five Eyes allies boost Taiwan Strait transits, the US takes a different route
The US scaled back and kept a low profile on its Taiwan Strait transits last year, while allies Australia, Canada, Britain and New Zealand increased theirs, according to a Chinese think-tank report cited by SCMP. The findings point to differing approaches within the alliance.
A report released on Tuesday by a leading Chinese think tank, cited by SCMP, said the US scaled back and kept a low profile on its Taiwan Strait transits in 2025. Over the same period, the remaining Five Eyes partners — Australia, Canada, Britain and New Zealand — deployed six warships for five transits and announced them with official statements.
The Taiwan Strait is a critical waterway for international shipping and a recurring point of tension between China and regional powers. Beijing treats the strait within its sovereignty claims, while other states stress freedom of navigation.
Because the report comes from a Chinese institution, the findings should be weighed alongside official data from the countries involved. Analysts say the differing tone among allies is being watched closely for its bearing on regional stability.
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