Deepshikha Maan, Jadetimes Staff
D. Maan is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Asia
Japan Sails Warship Through Taiwan Strait Amid Rising Tensions with China
A Japanese naval destroyer, JS Sazanami, sailed through the Taiwan Strait for the first time, accompanied by Australian and New Zealand ships, according to reports from Japanese media. The passage, which occurred on Wednesday, marks a significant move as Japan typically avoids sailing through the strait to avoid provoking China, which claims Taiwan and the strait as its territory. The warship was en route to participate in military exercises in the South China Sea.
Although no official comments have been made by Japan, Taiwan, or China regarding the transit, Chinese state media reported that the Chinese military monitored the vessels. The US and its allies have increased their patrols in the Taiwan Strait, asserting freedom of navigation in the strategic waterway that serves as a major global shipping route. Japan's actions highlight its growing concerns over China's increasing military activity in the region.
Beijing, which claims sovereignty over the strait, has previously criticized other nations for similar passages, but countries like the US, Canada, Australia, and most recently, Germany, have conducted such operations to demonstrate opposition to China’s maritime claims.
Japan’s reported move reflects its growing stance in countering China's assertiveness, particularly following repeated airspace violations by Chinese military planes. This development also aligns with Japan’s cooperation with the Quad nations to strengthen maritime security in response to China’s assertive behavior in the region.
