TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A US Navy Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft flew through the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday, ahead of the late March summit between US President Donald Trump and China’s Xi Jinping, in Beijing.

The US 7th Fleet said the flight “demonstrates the United States' commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” per Reuters. It added that “By operating within the Taiwan Strait in accordance with international law, the United States upholds the navigational rights and freedoms of all nations.”'

Washington and Beijing hope Trump’s trip will help stabilize relations strained by issues including Taiwan and trade disputes.

China's state-run media outlet Global Times reported the Chinese navy and air force tracked the flight and had “effectively handled” the situation. Beijing asserts jurisdiction over the strait, while Taiwan and the US consider it international waters.