US Navy plane flies over Taiwan Strait, China criticizes “provocative activities” | world

A US Navy patrol plane flew over the Taiwan Strait on Friday, according to a US military statement. China responded to the activity, saying it had monitored the flight and describing the action as provocative.

The US Navy said in the statement that the patrol flight “demonstrates the United States’ commitment to a free and open Indian and Pacific Ocean,” referring to the ocean region.

The aircraft that conducted the patrol is a P-8A Poseidon, used for naval military operations as well as for search and rescue.

The Chinese military leadership later claimed that Chinese warplanes monitored the movements of the American aircraft.

“Recently, US ships and aircraft have repeatedly carried out provocative activities, which fully prove that the United States is working to destabilize peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait,” a military spokesperson said.

China considers the island of Taiwan a rebel province and is part of Chinese territory. Beijing says it is ready to take it back, even by force if necessary. Only 13 countries in the world recognize Taiwan’s sovereignty.