On Wednesday, just hours after the phone call between the US and Chinese defense chiefs, a US Navy patrol aircraft immediately flew over the sensitive Taiwan Strait. The US military stated that this action upheld freedom of navigation for all countries and demonstrated America’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific region.
In a statement released by the US Seventh Fleet, it was revealed that on Wednesday local time, a P-8A “Poseidon” anti-submarine patrol aircraft was dispatched to fly over the Taiwan Strait in international airspace.
The statement read: “The United States conducted a mission in the Taiwan Strait in accordance with international law, upholding the rights and freedoms of all nations to navigate.”
“The aircraft’s flight over the Taiwan Strait demonstrates America’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The US military continues to fly, sail, and operate anywhere international law allows,” the Seventh Fleet stated.
Although the Chinese Communist Party has never governed Taiwan, Beijing still claims sovereignty over the democratic island and asserts jurisdiction over the Taiwan Strait. Both Taiwan and the US reject China’s claims, viewing the Taiwan Strait as international waters.
Regarding the US military aircraft flying over the Taiwan Strait, China did not immediately respond.
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense stated that the aircraft flew south over the strait while Taiwanese forces monitored the situation and did not observe any abnormal activities.
The last time a US Navy P-8A flew over the Taiwan Strait was in December last year. On that occasion, the Chinese military claimed to have dispatched fighter jets for surveillance and warnings.
On Tuesday, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin had a video call with Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe. It was the first extensive discussion between the US and Chinese defense chiefs in over a year, but both sides remained at odds over issues concerning Taiwan and the South China Sea.
Austin reiterated that the US military will continue to fly, sail, and operate safely and responsibly within the bounds of international law, emphasizing the importance of peace and stability in the entire Taiwan Strait region. Shortly after their conversation, the P-8A carried out its latest mission.
Despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations, the US is Taiwan’s most crucial international supporter and arms supplier. The Taiwan issue has long been one of the key points of contention between the US and China.
Taiwan refuses to accept China’s sovereignty claims and insists that only the Taiwanese people can determine their future. China has never renounced the use of force to control Taiwan.