US Navy aircraft transits Taiwan Strait ahead of planned Xi-Trump meeting

A U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon aircraft conducted a transit through the Taiwan Strait in international airspace on Friday, a move the U.S. 7th Fleet stated demonstrates America's commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

The Chinese military monitored the patrol and reconnaissance aircraft throughout its passage, with state-backed media citing a military source who claimed the situation was under control. U.S. military assets periodically transit or fly over the waterway separating Taiwan from mainland China, actions that consistently provoke Beijing's displeasure.

This operation comes as Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit the United States next month for a meeting with President Donald Trump. Both nations are seeking to stabilize their relationship, which has been strained by issues including Taiwan, trade disputes, and technology restrictions.

The 7th Fleet reiterated in a statement that "By operating within the Taiwan Strait in accordance with international law, the United States upholds the navigational rights and freedoms of all nations." The U.S. military asserts its right to fly, sail, and operate anywhere international law permits. China considers democratically governed Taiwan its own territory and claims jurisdiction over the strait, viewing the issue as a core interest and a red line. Taiwan's government rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims, asserting that only its people can determine their future.

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The aircraft's transit of the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the United States' commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The United States military flies, sails, and operates anywhere international law allows.