A US Navy P-8A Poseidon aircraft conducted a transit through the Taiwan Strait on Friday, drawing close attention from China as Washington and Beijing prepare for a planned meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The US 7th Fleet said the aircraft operated in international airspace and described the mission as demonstrating Washington’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and freedom of navigation under international law.

China closely monitored the aircraft during the transit. Beijing has repeatedly objected to US military activity in the Taiwan Strait and considers Taiwan a core national interest.

The latest US Navy operation comes amid ongoing US-China tensions over Taiwan, trade, technology restrictions and artificial intelligence, even as both countries seek to stabilize relations.

US Navy P-8A Flies Through Taiwan Strait Ahead Of Trump-Xi Meeting | China Reacts

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US Navy P-8A Flies Through Taiwan Strait Ahead Of Trump-Xi Meeting | China Reacts