US aircraft transits Taiwan Strait ahead of potential Xi-Trump meeting

A US Navy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft transited the Taiwan Strait in international airspace on Friday, a move the US 7th Fleet described as a demonstration of its commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

“

demonstrates the US’ commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The US military regularly sends ships and aircraft through the vital waterway that separates Taiwan from mainland China. This transit occurred as Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit the US next month to meet with President Donald Trump, with both nations seeking to stabilize relations strained by issues including Taiwan, trade disputes, and technology curbs.

“

By operating within the Taiwan Strait in accordance with international law, the US upholds the navigational rights and freedoms of all nations.

The 7th Fleet statement emphasized that "By operating within the Taiwan Strait in accordance with international law, the US upholds the navigational rights and freedoms of all nations." It reiterated that "The US military flies, sails and operates anywhere international law allows."

“

The US military flies, sails and operates anywhere international law allows.

Beijing considers the Taiwan issue an internal affair and a core interest that must not be challenged. Taiwan's government, however, rejects China's sovereignty claims, asserting that only the people of Taiwan can determine their own future. The Chinese military tracked the US aircraft, with the state-backed Global Times newspaper reporting, citing a military source, that the situation was "under control."

“

the situation was under control.