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China’s military reported deploying fighter jets to “monitor and warn” a US Navy patrol aircraft flying over the Taiwan Strait.

China, asserting sovereignty over Taiwan, claims jurisdiction over the strait, a stance contested by Taiwan and the United States, who regard it as an international waterway. The US Navy’s 7th Fleet confirmed the flight of their P-8A Poseidon, a maritime patrol and reconnaissance plane, stating it was conducted in international airspace.

In a statement, the US Navy said, “The aircraft’s transit of the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the United States’ commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The United States military flies, sails and operates anywhere international law allows.”

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In contrast, China’s military labeled the US flight as “public hype” and stated its fighters acted to monitor and lawfully address the US plane. The Eastern Theatre Command of China’s People’s Liberation Army emphasized their readiness to defend national sovereignty and regional peace.

Taiwan’s Defense Ministry observed the US aircraft’s transit, describing the situation as “normal.” This incident echoes a similar occurrence in October when China also deployed fighter jets in response to a US Poseidon traversing through the strait.