China’s Advances in Space
Deteriorating U.S.-China Relations
China’s Claim over the Taiwan Strait
Introduction
China’s claim over the Taiwan Strait, an important route for international trade, remains a contentious issue. Despite being recognized as international waters and airspace, China asserts its proprietary role over the strait. This has led to constant tension between China and Taiwan, a self-governing island democracy. In its efforts to assert dominance, China often harasses Taiwan militarily, seeking to intimidate its 23 million citizens.
China’s Ownership Claims
China considers Taiwan, a close ally of the United States, as its own territory. It is even willing to annex the island forcibly if necessary. The Chinese People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Theater Command, responsible for operations facing Taiwan, revealed that it scrambled fighters to track and monitor a U.S. plane passing through the region. The command took action “in accordance with laws and regulations” to assert China’s control over the area.
U.S. Position
In response, the U.S. 7th Fleet confirmed that a Navy P-8A Poseidon passed through the Taiwan Strait in international airspace. The fleet emphasized that this operation was conducted within the boundaries of international law and aimed to protect the navigational rights and freedoms of all nations. The United States affirms its commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region, asserting that it will operate wherever international law permits.
Conclusion
As tensions persist between China and Taiwan, the strategic significance of the Taiwan Strait cannot be overlooked. While China claims ownership over the strait, the United States upholds the principles of international law and ensures freedom of navigation for all nations. The situation remains delicate, with implications for regional peace and stability.
