The spokesperson for the Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army issued a statement on the passage of American and British warships through the Taiwan Strait.

Colonel Shi Yi, spokesperson for the Eastern Theater Command, stated that on September 12, the US destroyer "Higgins" and the UK frigate "Richmond" sailed through the Taiwan Strait and engaged in provocative actions. The Chinese People's Liberation Army Eastern Theater Command organized sea and air forces to monitor and alert against their passage, effectively responding to and handling the situation. The actions of the US and UK send a wrong signal and undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The forces of the theater command remain on high alert at all times, resolutely defending national sovereignty, security, and regional peace and stability.