The United States Navy has released a video capturing what it described as an “unsafe interaction” between a Chinese warship and an American destroyer near Taiwan. The incident, which occurred in the Taiwan Strait, has raised concerns over escalating tensions in the region.

The video, recorded by the USS Winston S. Churchill, clearly shows a Chinese guided-missile destroyer maneuvering dangerously close to the American vessel. According to the US Navy, the Chinese warship approached within an unsafe distance, creating a potential collision risk.

In the video, crew members on the USS Winston S. Churchill can be heard issuing repeated warnings to the Chinese warship to maintain a safe distance. The American crew expressed their concerns about the Chinese ship’s actions, emphasizing the importance of adhering to established international maritime norms.

This incident comes at a time of heightened tensions between the United States and China over Taiwan’s status. The Chinese government considers Taiwan a part of its territory and has been increasingly assertive in its claims over the island. The United States, on the other hand, has maintained a policy of supporting Taiwan and ensuring its security.

In response to the incident, the US Navy spokesperson, Commander Sarah Higgins, stated, “We are concerned by the unsafe and unprofessional actions of the Chinese warship. This kind of behavior undermines stability in the region and jeopardizes the safety of our personnel.”

The US Navy has lodged a formal complaint with the Chinese government, expressing its concerns and urging China to adhere to international norms of maritime behavior. This incident follows a series of similar encounters between American and Chinese military vessels in the region, further exacerbating tensions between the two countries