On Friday, a US Navy patrol plane flew through the Taiwan Strait, as tensions between Beijing and Taipei continue to rise. At the same time, a French lawmaker confirmed that a warship from his country had also recently passed through the disputed waterway. China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory, has been ramping up military pressure on the democratic island in recent years.

In response to Taiwan's refusal to acknowledge its sovereignty claim, China has increased its military presence and conducted war games around the island. These moves have been met with concern from Taiwan's Western allies, including the US and France, who have been providing military and diplomatic support to Taipei.

The latest developments come after Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen met with US House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy in Los Angeles earlier this month. The meeting was seen as a show of support for Taiwan and a signal to China that the US would stand with Taiwan in the face of any military aggression.

The Taiwan Strait has once again become a site of military activity, as a U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon plane made a routine flight through the area. The flight was conducted in international airspace, with the 7th Fleet of the U.S. Navy emphasizing that such operations are consistent with international law and ensure the navigational rights and freedoms of all countries.

This move comes amid rising tension between Taiwan and China, with the latter ramping up its military pressure on Taiwan in an attempt to assert its claim to the island nation. Notably, the U.S. has regularly sent naval ships and aircraft through the Taiwan Strait in recent years, sometimes joined by allies.

The recent flight of a U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft through the Taiwan Strait has been hailed by the U.S. as a demonstration of its dedication to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

However, China has repeatedly claimed sovereignty over the area and declared that the Taiwan Strait falls under its jurisdiction.

Both the United States and Taiwan have rejected China's position and maintained that the strait should be considered international waters.
During a meeting with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen in Taipei, a French lawmaker and former defense minister confirmed that France had sailed a warship through the Taiwan Strait. French Senate Vice President Alain Richard emphasized the importance of Taiwan's security, stating that the passage of the French warship through the strait demonstrated their concern and urged their authorities to remain vigilant on the security situation in the region.

There is uncertainty over the timing of the French warship's passage through the Taiwan Strait, as neither the French nor Taiwanese governments have provided official confirmation. French Senate Vice President Alain Richard mentioned the warship's recent transit during a meeting with Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, but did not specify the date.

While Taiwan's defense ministry acknowledged awareness of the passage, no further details were given.
French President Emmanuel Macron has cautioned against getting involved in a Taiwan crisis that could be triggered by an "American rhythm and a Chinese overreaction".