US reconnaissance aircraft fly over Taiwan Strait

The US Navy sent a P-8A reconnaissance aircraft to fly over the Taiwan Strait, the same day the Chinese military deployed dozens of fighter jets in the area.

"A US Navy P-8A reconnaissance aircraft transited international airspace over the Taiwan Strait on April 28. This operation demonstrates the US commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region," the US Navy's 7th Fleet said in a statement.

Seventh Fleet officials said the flight was in accordance with international law in the Taiwan Strait, stressing that the US is protecting freedom of navigation in the region. "We will continue to operate wherever international law allows, including in the Taiwan Strait," the statement said.

US P-8A reconnaissance aircraft operating near the Philippines on February 24. Photo: US Navy

China's Ministry of National Defense and Taiwan's defense agency have not commented on the information.

The announcement of the US reconnaissance plane flight came after Taiwan's defense forces detected 38 Chinese military aircraft and six Chinese naval vessels around the island within 24 hours.

Nineteen of the aircraft, including seven Su-30 and J-16 heavy fighters, eight J-10 light fighters, two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), two anti-submarine and reconnaissance aircraft, crossed the median line in the strait and entered the air defense identification zone around Taiwan.

China has always considered Taiwan a province awaiting reunification and has declared its readiness to use force if necessary. The US has pledged to respect the "One China" principle but continues to maintain relations with Taiwan, and regularly sends warships and military aircraft through the strait.

Median line in the Taiwan Strait. Graphic: CSIS

China has long claimed that the Taiwan Strait is not “international waters” but part of its exclusive economic zone, arguing that foreign military assets are restricted from operating in the area. Beijing has repeatedly protested against Washington sending forces through the strait, but has not taken any steps to prevent it on the ground.

Vu Anh (According to Reuters )

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