Is the Taiwan Strait an international waterway or Chinese territory?

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The Status of the Taiwan Strait is Disputed, with Differing Claims by China, the United States, and Taiwan

The status of the Taiwan Strait is a subject of contention, with China asserting sovereignty and jurisdiction, while the United States and Taiwan maintain it is an international waterway. This disagreement has led to heightened military tensions in the region.
China's Claim of Sovereignty and Jurisdiction

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command spokesperson, Colonel Shi Yi, stated that China possesses sovereignty and jurisdiction over the Taiwan Strait. This assertion was made following a reported transit of a US maritime plane through the strait, which the PLA described as deliberately disrupting regional peace and stability. The PLA indicated that its forces monitored the US aircraft's operation and remained on high alert, signalling a firm opposition to such transits.
United States and Taiwan's Stance as an International Waterway

Conversely, the United States and Taiwan hold the position that the Taiwan Strait is an international waterway. This perspective implies that all nations have the right to freedom of navigation and passage through the strait, a principle that underpins international maritime law. The differing interpretations of the strait's status are a significant factor in the ongoing military posturing and diplomatic exchanges between the involved parties.
Historical Context of Tensions

The Taiwan Strait has historically been a focal point for military tension, particularly since the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949. Following the war, the Republic of China government retreated to Taiwan, while the communists established the People's Republic of China on the mainland. This division has created a complex geopolitical situation where China considers Taiwan its territory, leading to frequent military activities, such as air incursions into Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ), which Taiwan has consistently challenged.

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Is the Taiwan Strait an international waterway or Chinese territory?

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