In a bold move to assert navigational rights and freedoms in the region, the U.S. 7th Fleet announced that a Navy P-8A Poseidon flew through the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday. This action comes on the heels of the first talks between U.S. and Chinese defense chiefs since November 2022, aimed at reducing regional tensions.
The 7th Fleet stated that the patrol and reconnaissance plane transited the Taiwan Strait in international airspace, emphasizing that the United States operates within the strait in accordance with international law. However, China views the passage of foreign military aircraft and ships through the strait as a challenge to its sovereignty, as it claims Taiwan as its own and threatens to defend it by force if necessary.
China has not yet responded to the latest U.S. military action, but in the past, it has issued stern protests and activated defenses in response to such maneuvers. China regularly sends navy ships and warplanes into the strait and surrounding areas to intimidate Taiwan and its 23 million people, who strongly support their de-facto independence.
The U.S. 7th Fleet reiterated its commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, stating that the aircraft’s transit of the Taiwan Strait demonstrates this commitment. The move comes as part of ongoing efforts to improve communications with the Chinese military and reduce the risk of conflict in the region. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s recent conversation with his Chinese counterpart marks a significant step in this direction, as diplomatic efforts continue to ease tensions between the two superpowers.