INTERNEWSTIME.COM – Japan Sends Warship Through Taiwan Strait, Signaling Shift in China Policy
In a significant move, a Japanese warship has sailed through the Taiwan Strait, marking the first time a Japanese vessel has traversed this strategically important waterway. The JS Sazanami, a naval destroyer, passed through the strait from north to south on Wednesday, accompanied by ships from Australia and New Zealand.
The Japanese government has not officially confirmed the passage, but reports in Japanese media suggest the destroyer was en route to participate in military exercises in the South China Sea. This action is seen as a departure from Japan’s long-standing policy of avoiding direct confrontation with China, which claims sovereignty over Taiwan and the strait.
China’s state-run Global Times, citing an unnamed source, reported that the Chinese military tracked and monitored the vessels throughout their passage.
The Taiwan Strait has become a focal point of tensions between China and the United States, as well as its allies. The US and Taiwan maintain that the strait is international waters and open to all naval vessels, while Beijing insists on its sovereignty and jurisdiction.
In recent months, there has been a noticeable increase in patrols by the US and its allies in the strait, aimed at asserting freedom of navigation. Canada, Australia, Britain, France, and Germany have all sent warships through the strait in recent months.
China has condemned these transits, accusing the participating nations of increasing security risks. However, the participating countries maintain that their actions are in accordance with international law and norms.
Japan’s reported transit through the Taiwan Strait is seen as a significant step in its evolving relationship with China. The move comes amid growing concerns about China’s assertive actions in the region, including repeated airspace violations by Chinese military aircraft near Taiwan and Japan.
Analysts believe Japan’s actions are part of a broader pattern of increased naval presence by countries concerned about China’s maritime ambitions. The move also reflects a growing sense of urgency among the Quad nations (Japan, Australia, India, and the US) to counter China’s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea.
The Taiwan Strait is a critical waterway for global trade and shipping, and the increasing tensions surrounding it have raised concerns about potential conflict in the region. Japan’s decision to sail through the strait signals a shift in its approach to China and underscores the growing strategic importance of the region.
