US and China Engage in Rare Defense Talks Amid Heightened Tensions

China sent fighter jets to monitor and warn a U.S. Navy patrol aircraft flying over the Taiwan Strait, shortly after a call between the Chinese and U.S. defense chiefs. The U.S. Navy stated that the aircraft's transit of the strait was in accordance with international law, demonstrating the commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. China's military described the flight as "public hype" and stated that it had sent fighters to monitor and warn the U.S. plane. The incident occurred after the first engagement in over a year between the U.S. Defense Secretary and the Chinese Defence Minister, during which the Taiwan issue was emphasized as a core interest for China.