China has scrambled fighter jets to intercept US aircraft in the Taiwan Strait prompting fears of escalation as Beijing claimed it would “resolutely defend national sovereignty”.
There have been multiple harrowing incidents between Chinese and US aircraft in the region which has seen tensions soar over an increasingly assertive China.
The Eastern Theatre Command of the People’s Liberation Army said: “Troops in the theatre are always on high alert and will resolutely defend national sovereignty and security as well as regional peace and stability.”
The US Navy said the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance plane flew through the Taiwan Strait keeping to international waters, according to a Reuters report. The planes can be used for anti-submarine warfare.
The Navy said: “By operating within the Taiwan Strait in accordance with international law, the United States upholds the navigational rights and freedoms of all nations.”
It added that the US was committed to a “free and open Indo-Pacific”. China said it sent jets to monitor the flight which it described as “public hype”.
China holds military drills and patrols in the strait on a regular basis. Beijing sees the area as part of its sovereign territory as it lays claim to Taiwan.
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