In this file photo, PLA Navy ships conduct supply operations at an unspecified location in February 2019. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command has been closely following a US warship's transit through the Taiwan Straits.

Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesperson for the PLA Eastern Theater Command, called the attempts made by the US to back up "Taiwan independence" forces hypocritical and futile. The remark was made on Saturday in response to the transit of the Taiwan Straits by US's Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson.

The theater command remains on high alert to resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, security and regional peace and stability, Shi said.

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