The U.S. P-8A “Poseidon” anti-submarine patrol aircraft. Figure: Wikipedia (file photo)
Common planes frequently interfere with Taiwan. In this regard, the US Navy recently dispatched a P-8A Poseidon patrol plane to fly over the Taiwan Strait, which was monitored and warned by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army plane. The US Indo-Pacific Command said in a statement on the 28th that the US aims to demonstrate its commitment to the Indo-Pacific region.
On the 21st of this month, the communist army dispatched 29 sorties of military aircraft and 22 sorties on the 23rd of this month, accounting for the second and third most in this year. In response to this, the U.S. Navy dispatched a P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft to fly over the Taiwan Strait in international airspace on the 24th, while the air force and ground force of the Chinese Communist Party were on guard throughout the process.
“U.S. Navy ships and aircraft routinely interact with foreign warships and aircraft as they operate across the region,” according to a statement released by U.S. Indo-Pacific Command on the 28th.
“All interactions with foreign troops during transit comply with international norms and do not affect operations,” the statement said. And the United States will continue to fly, sail and operate anywhere international law allows, including the Taiwan Strait.
“The aircraft’s transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the United States’ commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the statement emphasized.
Since 2020, the CCP has sent military planes into Taiwan’s air defense identification zone almost every day. According to the record of the Facebook fan page “Taiwan Southwest Airspace”, the total number of planes entered my country’s airspace for 15 days this month alone.
On the 13th of this month, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs also declared that it has “sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the Taiwan Strait.” As for “some countries call the Taiwan Strait an ‘international waters’, it is a mistake.” my country’s Mainland Affairs Council also responded on the 14th, criticizing China’s attempts to “internalize Taiwan and sea through the Strait”, which is a complete violation of international law and the situation of the Taiwan maritime affairs. my country and the international community will neither accept nor recognize it. On the 17th, the United States called on China to stop “provocative behavior” and to respect international law.
With the continuous interference of planes and the nuclear test with North Korea, US President Biden is strengthening military cooperation with Asian allies, such as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) with Japan, India and Australia.
In this regard, according to the “Voice of America” report, analysts believe that the escalation of the CCP’s military harassment is sending a message to the United States, rather than threatening Taiwan.
Common aircraft frequently disturb Taiwan. In response, the U.S. Navy recently dispatched a P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft to fly over the Taiwan Strait.
According to the “Epoch Times” report, the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command issued a statement on the 28th.
The United States aims to demonstrate its commitment to the Indo-Pacific region.
The People’s Liberation Army aircraft H-6 circumnavigated the Taiwan Strait, and the Chinese military sent F-16 fighter jets to “fly with them” at close range.Photo: Reprinted from the Air Force of the Republic of China