For the first time, a Japanese warship has sailed through the Taiwan Strait, a crucial and contested waterway between Taiwan and mainland China, marking a significant shift in Japan’s approach to the region. The naval destroyer JS Sazanami, accompanied by vessels from Australia and New Zealand, made the southward passage on Wednesday, en route to military exercises in the South China Sea. This event signals a move away from Japan’s previous policy of avoiding the Taiwan Strait to prevent provoking China, which asserts sovereignty over both Taiwan and the strait.
According to Japanese media, government officials confirmed the JS Sazanami’s involvement in joint military exercises but did not elaborate on its route. This passage is viewed as part of a broader trend of increased naval presence by nations countering China’s growing influence. In response, Beijing lodged an official complaint, emphasizing its vigilance regarding Japan’s political intentions, while the Chinese military tracked the vessel throughout its transit.
China, claiming sovereignty over both Taiwan and the Taiwan Strait, has become increasingly assertive in these waters, heightening tensions with the United States and its allies, who regard the strait as international waters. Japan has typically avoided direct confrontation with China, but escalating military activities have led to a strategic shift. Japanese officials have raised concerns over repeated airspace violations by Chinese military aircraft.
The Taiwan Strait is a vital shipping route, with about half of the world’s container fleet passing through its 180-kilometer (112-mile) length. The United States and Taiwan have increased patrols to assert freedom of navigation, while allies like Canada, Australia, and Germany have also conducted transits, despite Chinese condemnation.
This marks a significant shift in Japan’s traditionally cautious approach. Recent events, including China sending an aircraft carrier between Japanese islands and a spy plane entering Japanese airspace, have prompted Japan to adopt a more assertive stance. Japan’s actions align with the Quad group’s commitment to enhancing maritime security in response to China’s assertiveness, especially in the South China Sea.
Although Taiwan has not officially commented on Japan’s transit, its defense ministry has reported increased Chinese military activity nearby. Analysts see this as part of China’s ‘grey zone’ tactics, applying sustained pressure without direct conflict.
Bec Strating, an international relations expert, observes that Japan’s decision reflects a growing international naval presence in response to China’s influence. This historic move highlights shifting dynamics in the Indo-Pacific, with nations increasingly standing against China’s territorial ambitions, potentially impacting regional security and Japan’s military strategies.
