The US Navy says one of its patrol planes flew over the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday. The move drew a sharp reaction from China.

The US Navy's 7th Fleet announced on Wednesday that its P-8A Poseidon transited the Taiwan Strait via international airspace earlier in the day. It said, "By operating within the Taiwan Strait in accordance with international law, the United States upholds the navigational rights and freedoms of all nations."

It also said the aircraft's transit of the strait demonstrates the US commitment to "a free and open Indo-Pacific."

A spokesperson for the Chinese military's Eastern Theater Command issued a statement describing the flight as "public hype."

The official said that the Chinese military mobilized fighter planes to monitor and maintain vigilance over the US aircraft's passage, dealing with the matter in accordance with laws and regulations.

The spokesperson also said Chinese troops will resolutely defend national sovereignty and security, as well as peace and stability in the region.

At a US-China summit in November, US President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping were unable to narrow differences in their views over Taiwan.

Biden pointed out that China's military activity near Taiwan is raising tensions and concerns. Xi urged the US to take concrete action to show that it does not support Taiwan's independence.

The two countries are keeping each other in check ahead of January's presidential election in Taiwan.