Earlier this week, two U.S. Navy ships sailed through the Taiwan Strait, marking the first time U.S. ships have sailed in the strait since President Trump’s inauguration in January.  The trip was performed by a guided-missile destroyer and a Pathfinder-class survey ship, according to the U.S. Naval Institute. The U.S. typically sends ships through the strait around once a month, with China surveilling and often criticizing the action. China claims ownership of the Taiwan Strait, while Taiwan and the U.S. claim it is international waters.

The U.S. Navy noted that their trip was a routine operation in order to affirm freedom of movement. However, the exercise was not well received by China; the Eastern Theater Command of the People’s Liberation Army released a statement saying that “the U.S. action sends the wrong signals and increases security risks,” and that Chinese troops are remaining on high alert to ensure the safety and security of China’s sovereignty, their claim on Taiwan, and the region as a whole.

There are many implications to this demonstration. China is prepared to protect Taiwan at all costs, and if they feel threatened by the U.S. it is very possible that they will take military action. This may also further strain the already tense relationship between Beijing and Washington; a relationship which Trump has vowed to change.

Taiwan is crucial strategically to both the U.S. and China due to trade and investment. On the U.S. side, this action could signal continued support for Taiwan, as well as reaffirming freedom of movement. The U.S. has also recently announced plans to raise tariffs on Taiwan, prompting Lai Ching-te, President of Taiwan, to pledge further talks with President Trump, as well as more U.S. investments and purchases of U.S. products.

China sees Taiwan as a Chinese province, despite Taiwan having a self-sufficient government. Because of this, the country is particularly sensitive to any threats of Taiwanese independence and interference from other countries. China may see an increased trade relationship between the U.S. and Taiwan combined with the recent U.S. Navy operation as a threat, which will likely motivate China to keep a closer watch on American-Taiwanese relations and U.S. Navy movements in the region.

Moving forward, the U.S. should be cautious of future similar operations and communicate more directly with China in order to ensure peace and stability with China and the rest of the region. Maintaining balanced relationships with both Taiwan and China is absolutely essential to maintain peace, and needs to be taken more seriously in the future.