US Navy aircraft transits Taiwan Strait before planned Xi-Trump meeting

A US Navy P-8A Poseidon aircraft flew through the Taiwan Strait on August 21, a maneuver the US 7th Fleet described as a demonstration of America's commitment to a "free and open Indo-Pacific." The US military regularly conducts such transits through the waterway, which separates Taiwan from mainland China, missions that consistently draw anger from Beijing.

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demonstrates the United States’ commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific

The flight took place shortly before an anticipated meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump. Both nations are seeking to stabilize relations strained by trade disputes, technology restrictions, and the contentious issue of Taiwan.

The 7th Fleet emphasized that the aircraft operated in international airspace in accordance with international law, upholding navigational rights for all nations. "The United States military flies, sails and operates anywhere international law allows," the statement read.

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

China considers democratically governed Taiwan its own territory and asserts jurisdiction over the strait. However, Taiwan and the US maintain that the strait is an international waterway. Beijing has repeatedly declared the Taiwan issue a core interest and an internal affair, warning against any perceived transgressions.

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