The U.S. Navy 'P-8A Poseidon' aircraft flew over the strait of Taiwan in international airspace, a move that the U.S. 7th Fleet deemed "a demonstration of the United States commitment to a open and free Indo-Pacific."

Washington and Beijing are looking to improve their ties, which have been damaged by issues such as Taiwan, trade disputes, and technology restrictions.

The 7th Fleet said that by operating in the Taiwan Strait according to international law, it upheld the navigational freedoms and rights of all nations.

U.S. military aircraft or ships routinely pass above or through the waterway separating democratically governed Taiwan and China, missions that always enrage Beijing.

China claims that it has jurisdiction in the strait and that Taiwan is governed democratically. Taiwan and the U.S. disagree, saying that 'the strait' is an international waterway.

China has said that the Taiwan issue is "its internal matter" and the core of Beijing's interest - a line which must not be crossed or trampled upon.

Taiwan's government rejects China's claims of sovereignty, saying only Taiwan's citizens can decide on their future. Ben Blanchard reported the story. Mark Potter, Saad Saaeed and Mark Potter edited the report.

(source: Reuters)