Crossing the Taiwan Strait with the U.S. Navy

The U.S.S. Rafael Peralta was heading north toward the Taiwan Strait when a voice came over the radio. It was the captain of the Haikou, a Chinese warship that had been trailing the American destroyer for miles.

“This is Chinese naval warship one-seven-one,’’ he said, in English. “Your helicopter is continuously approaching my unit. We remind your helicopter to keep a safe distance—ten nautical miles.”

Commander Charles Cooper, the Rafael Peralta’s captain, responded with a prepared statement: “We are in full compliance with international law, with due regard for other vessels.”

The Haikou’s commander acknowledged the message, but his ship stayed close, along with a second Chinese warship. When the Rafael Peralta turned, the Haikou turned, too. “They’re shadowing us,’’ Lieutenant Junior Grade Lara Malaver, who was steering the ship, said. “We’re projecting our power. They’re doing the same.”