Japan's first warship passage through Taiwan Strait signals growing regional tensions.

According to information published by Al Jazeera on September 26, 2024, Japan has reportedly sent a warship through the Taiwan Strait for the first time, signaling increased naval activity in a region marked by growing tensions with China.
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Japanese Takanami-class destroyer JS Sazanami. (Picture source: JMSDF)

The destroyer, Sazanami, made the passage through the 180-kilometer strait, sailing alongside vessels from Australia and New Zealand. This transit, reported by Japanese media, comes as China intensifies its military presence near Japan.

The Sazanami entered the strait from the East China Sea, taking more than 10 hours to complete its southward journey. The operation, conducted ahead of joint drills in the contested South China Sea, saw participation from New Zealand’s HMNZS Aotearoa and Australia’s HMAS Sydney.

This move follows a recent passage by China’s aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, between two Japanese islands near Taiwan. Japan, which described this activity as "totally unacceptable," remains on alert over China's expanding military footprint. Tokyo recently reported a Chinese spy plane violating its airspace near islands off its southwestern coast, heightening concerns over Beijing’s growing assertiveness.

Japan’s government has refrained from confirming details of the warship's passage, but spokesperson Yoshimasa Hayashi voiced concern over the increasing frequency of military actions in the region, particularly airspace violations. Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida reportedly ordered the Taiwan Strait transit in response to fears that Beijing’s actions could escalate if left unchecked.

Taiwan Strait

The Taiwan Strait is a strategically significant body of water that separates Taiwan from mainland China. It is about 180 kilometers (110 miles) wide at its narrowest point and connects the East China Sea to the north with the South China Sea to the south. This region has long been a focal point of geopolitical tension due to its critical location, historical claims, and military significance.

One of the most pressing issues surrounding the Taiwan Strait is the status of Taiwan itself. Taiwan, formally known as the Republic of China (ROC), operates as a self-governing democracy but is claimed by the People's Republic of China (PRC) as a breakaway province. The PRC views reunification with Taiwan as a core national objective and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve this goal, especially in light of Taiwan's growing international partnerships and the evolving dynamics of global defense alignments.

The Taiwan Strait is crucial to global shipping, as many of the world's largest container ships pass through it. This waterway is a major conduit for goods moving between Asia and the rest of the world, particularly energy supplies like oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG).