China deploys naval, air forces as US Navy plane transits Taiwan Strait

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) - China deployed its naval and air forces on Tuesday as a US military plane transited the Taiwan Strait.

According to the American military’s 7th Fleet, the US Navy’s P-8A Poseidon transited the Taiwan Strait in “international airspace.”

“By operating within the Taiwan Strait in accordance with international law, the United States upholds the navigational rights and freedoms of all nations,” said the 7th Fleet, the US Navy deployment in Asia-Pacific headquartered in Japan.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command said its forces remained on "high alert and handled the situation effectively."

PLA Senior Col. Cao Jun said the Chinese forces were deployed to "track and monitor the aircraft throughout its entire course."

The 7th Fleet said the transit over the Taiwan Strait “demonstrates” Washington’s “commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

The United States military “flies, sails and operates anywhere international law allows,” it added.

This was the second transit by the American military through the Taiwan Strait since last month, when the US and Canada sent warships through the strait, with China issuing a warning that such actions "undermine" peace in the region.

Separately, the Chinese coast guard in the eastern Fujian province on Tuesday carried out law enforcement patrols in the waters around Kinmen islands, near self-ruled Taiwan.

​​​​​​​​A US P-8A anti-submarine aircraft transited the Taiwan Straits on Tuesday, drawing public attention. The PLA Eastern Theater Command responded by deploying naval and air forces to track and monitor the aircraft throughout its entire course.