China claims sovereignty over Taiwan and jurisdiction over the strait, assertions disputed by Taiwan and the United States, who consider the strait international waters…reports Asian Lite News
China’s military on Tuesday reported deploying naval and air forces to monitor and warn a U.S. Navy patrol aircraft that flew through the Taiwan Strait, accusing Washington of attempting to “mislead” the global community, media reported.
Beijing consistently opposes such manoeuvres, which occur about once a month, involving U.S. military ships or aircraft transiting the waterway separating Taiwan from mainland China, Reuters reported.
China claims sovereignty over Taiwan and jurisdiction over the strait, assertions disputed by Taiwan and the United States, who consider the strait international waters.
The U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet said the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft operated in “international airspace,” reaffirming America’s commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.
“By navigating the Taiwan Strait in accordance with international law, the United States upholds the navigational rights and freedoms of all nations,” the Navy stated.
In response, China’s Eastern Theatre Command criticized the flight as “public hype,” asserting that Chinese forces closely monitored the aircraft and “effectively responded.”
The command accused the U.S. of distorting legal principles and urged it to refrain from actions that could disrupt regional peace and stability.
Taiwan’s defence ministry confirmed the P-8A’s passage in a northerly direction through the strait and stated that the Taiwanese military observed the situation, reporting no anomalies.
This incident follows a similar episode in April, where China deployed fighter jets to shadow and warn a U.S. Navy Poseidon in the Taiwan Strait shortly after a call between Chinese and U.S. defence chiefs.
Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) reported an increase in Chinese military activity around the island, detecting 17 People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, seven PLAN vessels operating in the vicinity of Taiwan as of 6am on Wednesday.
10 of the detected aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, entering Taiwan’s northern and southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ).
In a post on X, the Taiwanese MND said, “17 PLA aircraft and 7 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 10 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.”
In recent times, Chinese incursion has increased in Taiwan. In response, Taiwan has stepped up security on its maritime borders.
On Tuesday, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) detected five People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, seven PLAN vessels and one official ship.
Four of the detected aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, entering Taiwan’s southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ).
In a post on X, the MND stated, “5 PLA aircraft, 7 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 4 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.”
On Friday, Taiwanese President, Lai Ching-te attended the completion ceremony for the ROCN Shuei-Sing Barracks. This base will serve as the new home for the Taiwanese Navy Underwater Operations Unit and enhance its training capabilities.
Last week, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed gratitude towards the US, Japan, and Australia for their joint statement calling for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, Taiwan News reported.
