China alleges US ‘endangered peace and stability’ by flying aircraft through Taiwan Strait: report

China is accusing the U.S. of threatening “peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait” after a U.S. P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft traveled through the region on Monday, a report says.

The declaration comes as Beijing says it “has sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction” over the waters separating its mainland from Taiwan, but the U.S. and the island’s leaders argue that the area is an international waterway, according to Reuters.

“The U.S. side’s actions deliberately interfered with and disrupted the regional situation and endangered peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. We firmly oppose this,” the Eastern Theatre Command of China’s People’s Liberation Army was quoted as saying.

“Theatre forces remain on high alert at all times and resolutely defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” it reportedly added.