A U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon aircraft reportedly transited the Taiwan Strait through international airspace. The U.S. 7th Fleet called the flight a demonstration of Washington’s “commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
Beijing Tracks Flight
The U.S. 7th Fleet said in a statement, “By operating within the Taiwan Strait in accordance with international law, the United States upholds the navigational rights and freedoms of all nations,” Reuters reported on Friday.
China’s military tracked the patrol aircraft throughout its transit, according to state-backed Global Times, which cited a military source who said the “situation was under control.”
Such transits occur every few months and routinely anger Beijing. In April 2024, a similar transit prompted China to scramble fighter jets, with its Eastern Theatre Command vowing to “resolutely defend national sovereignty and security.”
Xi-Trump Meeting Nears Amid Taiwan Tensions
The flight comes just weeks before Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to meet with President Donald Trump in the U.S. The two sides are working to stabilize relations strained by tensions over Taiwan, trade disputes and technology restrictions.
China claims Taiwan as its territory and asserts jurisdiction over the strait, while Taiwan and the U.S. maintain that it is international waters.
At their May summit in Beijing, Xi warned mishandling Taiwan could push ties into “extremely dangerous” territory. China considers Taiwan its most sensitive issue with Washington, repeatedly calling it a red line that must not be crossed.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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