China’s military confirmed on Tuesday it deployed naval and air forces to monitor and warn a U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft that flew through the Taiwan Strait. Beijing accused Washington of distorting facts and misleading international opinion, further escalating tensions over the contested waterway.
The U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet stated the patrol aircraft operated in international airspace, emphasizing that the mission demonstrated the U.S. commitment to a “free and open Indo-Pacific.” The Navy added, “By operating within the Taiwan Strait in accordance with international law, the United States upholds the navigational rights and freedoms of all nations.”
China, however, rejected this rationale, with its Eastern Theatre Command calling the flight “public hype” and claiming it effectively monitored and responded to the situation. “The relevant remarks by the U.S. distort legal principles, confuse public opinion, and mislead international perceptions,” the Command said, urging the U.S. to halt such actions and prioritize regional peace and stability.
This incident is part of a broader pattern of U.S. military activities in the Taiwan Strait, occurring approximately once a month, which consistently provoke strong reactions from Beijing. China asserts sovereignty over Taiwan and claims jurisdiction over the strait, while Taiwan and the U.S. insist it is an international waterway.
Tensions over the strait remain high, with Beijing viewing these operations as provocations. In April, a similar incident involving a U.S. Navy Poseidon patrol aircraft prompted China to deploy fighter jets just hours after a rare conversation between Chinese and U.S. defense chiefs.
The Taiwan Strait continues to serve as a flashpoint in U.S.-China relations, reflecting the growing geopolitical rivalry over Taiwan and the broader Indo-Pacific region.