U.S.-China tensions rise as P‑8A patrol ignites controversy
The flyover of the American P-8A Poseidon aircraft over the Taiwan Strait triggered a reaction from the Chinese military. China scrambled fighter jets and urged the USA to stop "distorting the rules". The Boeing P-8 Poseidon is a military variant of the passenger Boeing 737, adapted for patrol and anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare. What else is known about it?
The American reconnaissance aircraft P-8A Poseidon flew over the Taiwan Strait, prompting an immediate reaction from the Chinese military. The People’s Liberation Army of China scrambled fighter jets and appealed to Washington to stop "distorting the rules".
China's reaction to U.S. actions
The U.S. 7th Fleet reported that the flight was conducted under international law, promoting navigation rights and freedoms. "Through actions in the Taiwan Strait that are compliant with international law, the United States promotes navigation rights and freedoms for all nations," the statement said. The flight also aimed to demonstrate the U.S.'s commitment to the "free and open Indo-Pacific" concept.
The People’s Liberation Army of China accused the USA of "exaggerating" facts, emphasising that Chinese maritime and aerial forces monitored the aircraft. "Remarks from the USA distort legal principles, confuse the public, and misrepresent international perception," stated a PLA statement.
Reuters notes that the presence of American units in the Taiwan Strait always angers Beijing. Warships from other countries, such as France, the United Kingdom, and Australia, have also exercised the right of freedom of navigation in this region, which China has termed "provocations."
Beijing considers the Taiwan Strait as internal waters and Taiwan as an "inseparable" part of Chinese territory. The authorities in Beijing do not rule out the use of force to gain control over the island, while Taipei emphasises that only the people of Taiwan can decide their future.
Boeing P-8 Poseidon patrol aircraft
The Boeing P-8 Poseidon is a multi-mission maritime patrol aircraft developed based on the civil Boeing 737 passenger aircraft. It is powered by two CFM International CFM56-7B turbofan engines. It can reach a maximum speed of 908 km/h, with a patrol speed of approximately 814 km/h and an operational ceiling of 12,500 metres. The P-8 Poseidon is about 40 metres long, 13 metres tall, and has a wingspan of 38 metres. Its onboard crew consists of 9 members (two pilots and seven equipment operators). The P-8 Poseidon can carry four short-range Harpoon anti-ship cruise missiles, five Mark 54 MAKO torpedoes, and 129 sonobuoys.
This aircraft plays a crucial role in the U.S. Navy as the primary tool for maritime patrol and submarine detection. Its capabilities include not only search-and-rescue missions and electronic reconnaissance but also precise targeting, thanks to the advanced system High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare Weapon Capability (HAAWC). Previously, to attack a detected submarine, it had to descend to an altitude of 30 metres above the water, which was inefficient and increased the risk of detection by the enemy.
The innovation of HAAWC solves this problem, allowing torpedoes to be dropped from an altitude of 10,000 metres, enabling the Poseidon to maintain a safe distance from threats. With such capabilities, this aircraft is also attracting interest from other countries, such as the United Kingdom, Norway, and Australia, which have already ordered units of this type for their fleets.
