The People's Liberation Army Eastern Theater Command said on Saturday that it closely monitored the recent transit of two United States naval vessels through the Taiwan Strait.

From Friday to Saturday, the US guided-missile destroyer USS Finn and oceanographic survey ship USNS Mary Sears sailed through the Taiwan Strait.

Senior Colonel Xu Chenghua, spokesperson of the PLA Eastern Theater Command, said in a statement that it organized naval and air forces to monitor the US vessels throughout their passage and handled the situation effectively.

The troops remain on high alert at all times and will resolutely defend national sovereignty and security, as well as regional peace and stability, he said.