China says US 'endangered' peace with Taiwan Strait fly-through

Beijing has been incensed by US military missions through the Taiwan strait, most frequently of warships. PHOTO: US NAVY

BEIJING/TAIPEI - China accused the United States of “endangering” peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait after a US P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance military plane flew through the sensitive waterway on Monday.

Beijing has been incensed by US military missions through the narrow strait, most frequently of warships but occasionally of aircraft, saying China “has sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction” over the waterway. Taiwan and the US dispute that, saying it is an international waterway.

The Eastern Theatre Command of China’s People’s Liberation Army said its forces closely monitored the aircraft, which is also used for anti-submarine missions, as it flew through the strait which separates China from Taiwan.

“The US side’s actions deliberately interfered with and disrupted the regional situation and endangered peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. We firmly oppose this,” it said in a short statement.

“Theatre forces remain on high alert at all times and resolutely defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The US previously said such missions show its commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Taiwan’s Defence Ministry, in its own brief statement, said the aircraft flew in a southerly direction through the strait. Taiwan’s forces tracked the aircraft as it flew through the strait, the ministry said, noting the situation was “as normal”. It did not elaborate.

China regards Taiwan as a renegade province to be reunified, by force if necessary, and has stepped up its military activity near the island in the past three years.

Washington is Taiwan’s most important international backer and seller of arms despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties, and US support for the island is a constant irritant in Sino-US relations. REUTERS

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