China Deploys Fighter Jets Against US Navy's Patrol Aircraft Flying Over Taiwan Strait; Here's What Both Sides Said

China's military announced on Wednesday (17 April) that it had deployed fighter jets to monitor and warn a US Navy patrol aircraft that had flown over the Taiwan Strait, a move that occurred shortly after a call between the Chinese and US defence chiefs.

China has asserted its sovereignty over Taiwan, which is democratically governed, and claims jurisdiction over the strait.

However, Taiwan and the United States dispute this, asserting that the Taiwan Strait is an international waterway.

The US Navy's 7th Fleet stated that its P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, utilised for anti-submarine operations, had flown over the 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," the statement said.

It added, "The aircraft's transit of the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the United States' commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific."

In response, China's military described the flight as "public hype" and stated that it had dispatched fighters to monitor and warn the US aircraft, intending to "deal with it in accordance with the law and regulations".

The Eastern Theatre Command of the People's Liberation Army emphasised that troops in the region are vigilant and will firmly defend national sovereignty, security, and regional peace and stability.

Taiwan's defence ministry reported that the US aircraft flew south through the strait, and Taiwanese forces monitored the situation but noted nothing unusual.

The United States is a key supporter and arms supplier to Taiwan despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations, a point of contention in China-US relations. US military vessels and aircraft transit the Taiwan Strait approximately once a month.

Taiwan's government rejects China's sovereignty claims and asserts that only the island's residents can determine its future. Meanwhile, China has not ruled out the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control.