The U.S. Navy flew a patrol aircraft through the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday, April 17. The flyover happened just one day after discussions were held between the U.S. and China aimed at easing tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.
While the Taiwan Strait is considered international waters, China views it as part of its sovereign territory. Any passage by foreign aircraft or ships is seen as a challenge to its territorial claims. In response to the flight, China dispatched fighters to monitor and warn the P-8A Poseiden, a maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft. It later dismissed the flight as “public hype.”
The Eastern Theater Command of the People’s Liberation Army issued a statement proclaiming China’s readiness to defend its regional claims.
“Troops in theater are always on high alert and will resolutely defend national sovereignty and security as well,” the command said.
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said China often engages in a show of force by sending fighter jets and warships to the region.
The U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet released a statement maintaining it followed international law.
“By operating within the Taiwan Strait in accordance with international law, the United States upholds the navigational rights and freedoms of all nations,” the statement said.
The flight occurred following the first meeting in a year and a half between U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Chinese Minister Dong Jun, and shortly before Secretary of State Antony Blinken‘s planned visit to China.
Freedom of navigation was a key topic of discussion between Austin and the Chinese minister, according to Pentagon press secretary Maj. Pat Ryder.
China froze talks with the United States in November 2022 in protest of Rep. Nancy Pelosi’s, D-Calif., visit to Taiwan. Then, China responded with military exercises including missile launches.
