TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Following the conclusion of large-scale naval exercises by China in the region on Friday, a US P-8A Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft was spotted transiting the Taiwan Strait.
Taiwan’s defense ministry reported the P-8 plane’s transit from north to south shortly after 6 p.m. on Friday evening. The ministry said that conditions in the strait remained normal during and after its passage.
The P-8A Poseidon aircraft are produced by the Boeing Corporation, specialized for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, but also capable of being equipped with anti-submarine or anti-surface armaments. The majority of P-8A aircraft owned by the US are operated by the US Navy.
P-8A Poseidon aircraft have been reported over the Taiwan Strait in November and September. On both occasions, announcements were made by the US 7th fleet stating the passage of the aircraft are in accordance with international law.