U.S.-China tensions flare as P‑8A Poseidon flies Taiwan Strait
The flyover of the American P-8A Poseidon aircraft over the Taiwan Strait triggered a reaction from the Chinese army. China scrambled fighter jets and called the USA to stop "distorting the rules." The Boeing P-8 Poseidon is a military variant of the passenger Boeing 737, adapted for patrol and anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare. What else is known about it?
The American reconnaissance aircraft P-8A Poseidon flew over the Taiwan Strait, prompting an immediate reaction from the Chinese army. China's People’s Liberation Army scrambled fighter jets and appealed to Washington to stop "distorting the rules."
China's reaction to U.S. actions
The U.S. 7th Fleet reported that the flight was conducted by international law, promoting navigation rights and freedoms. "By operating within the Taiwan Strait in accordance with international law, the United States upholds the navigational rights and freedoms of all nations," the statement said. The flight also aimed to demonstrate the U.S.'s commitment to the "free and open Indo-Pacific" concept.
The People’s Liberation Army of China accused the USA of "exaggerating" facts, emphasizing that Chinese maritime and aerial forces monitored the aircraft. "The relevant remarks by the U.S. distort legal principles, confuse public opinion and mislead international perceptions," stated a PLA statement.
Reuters notes that the presence of American units in the Taiwan Strait always angers Beijing. Warships from other countries, such as France, the United Kingdom, and Australia, have also exercised the right of freedom of navigation in this region, which China has termed "provocations."
Beijing considers the Taiwan Strait internal waters and Taiwan an "inseparable" part of Chinese territory. Beijing's authorities do not rule out using force to gain control over the island, while Taipei emphasizes that only the people of Taiwan can decide their future.
Boeing P-8 Poseidon patrol aircraft
The Boeing P-8 Poseidon is a multi-mission maritime patrol aircraft developed based on the civil Boeing 737 passenger aircraft. It is powered by two CFM International CFM56-7B turbofan engines. It can reach a maximum speed of 564 mph, with a patrol speed of approximately 506 mph and an operational ceiling of 41,000 feet. The P-8 Poseidon is about 131 feet long, 42 feet tall, and has a wingspan of 124 feet. Its onboard crew consists of 9 members (two pilots and seven equipment operators). The P-8 Poseidon can carry four short-range Harpoon anti-ship cruise missiles, five Mark 54 MAKO torpedoes, and 129 sonobuoys.
This aircraft plays a crucial role in the U.S. Navy as the primary tool for maritime patrol and submarine detection. Thanks to the advanced High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare Weapon Capability (HAAWC) system, its capabilities include not only search-and-rescue missions and electronic reconnaissance but also precise targeting. Previously, to attack a detected submarine, the aircraft had to descend to an altitude of 100 feet above the water, which was inefficient and increased the risk of detection by the enemy.
The innovation of HAAWC solves this problem, allowing torpedoes to be dropped from an altitude of 32,800 feet, enabling the Poseidon to maintain a safe distance from threats. With such capabilities, this aircraft is also attracting interest from countries such as the United Kingdom, Norway, and Australia, which have already ordered units of this type for their fleets.
