U.S. reconnaissance flight over Taiwan strait intensifies tensions
The American reconnaissance aircraft P-8A Poseidon flew over the Taiwan Strait on Tuesday. This prompted an immediate reaction from the Chinese military, which scrambled fighter jets and urged the US to stop "distorting the principles".
"Through actions in the Taiwan Strait that are by international law, the United States promotes navigation rights and freedoms for all countries," the US Seventh Fleet stated, adding that the flight in international airspace also demonstrated Washington's commitment to the idea of a "free and open Indo-Pacific".
The People's Liberation Army of China declared that Chinese naval and air forces continuously monitored the aircraft.
"Comments from the US distort legal principles, confuse the public, and distort international perception of the regional situation," the PLA added, urging the American side "to stop distorting and exaggerating the situation and to collectively protect peace and stability in the region."
For Beijing, the Taiwan Strait is considered internal waters
Reuters agency points out that the presence of American units in the Taiwan Strait "always angers Beijing".
Similar actions have been taken by naval ships from France, the United Kingdom, and Australia, which China often calls "provocations".
Beijing treats 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 residents of Taiwan can decide their future.
