The US military confirmed that a P-8A Poseidon anti-submarine patrol aircraft transited the Taiwan Strait. China says it monitored the Navy’s plane. 

“By operating within the Taiwan Strait in accordance with international law, the United States upholds the navigational rights and freedoms of all nations,” a statement from the 7th Fleet said, adding that the transit “demonstrates the United States’ commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

US military transits of the Taiwan Strait create friction with China. Beijing views Taiwan as part of China, and US military transits through the strait as a violation of Chinese sovereignty. 

President Donald Trump is scheduled to travel to Beijing at the end of the month to meet with Chinese President Xi. The leaders plan to discuss a new trade agreement. According to sources speaking with The Japan Times, Washington has irked Beijing by failing to engage in advanced planning for the summit. 

The Department of War conducted the transit as it is moving some of its advanced air defense systems to the Middle East. Iran has continued to hammer US bases and Israel with missiles after Washington and Tel Aviv started an unprovoked war almost two weeks ago. 

The transit may be a move to reassure East Asian allies that the US remains committed to the Indo-Pacific region.