Japan’s navy has sent a destroyer, the Sazanami, through the Taiwan Strait for the first time, accompanied by ships from Australia and New Zealand. The transit comes amidst rising military activities by China in the region, including a recent incident involving a Chinese aircraft carrier near Taiwan.
The passage of the Sazanami through the 180-kilometre waterway was reportedly in preparation for planned drills in the disputed South China Sea. Japan’s government spokesman declined to comment, but New Zealand confirmed their ship, the HMNZS Aotearoa, also participated to assert the right of freedom of navigation.
The move by Japan follows concerns over China’s increased military activities in the region, including airspace violations and grey-zone tactics in the East China Sea. Beijing has claimed jurisdiction over the Taiwan Strait, despite international efforts to reinforce its status as an international waterway.
Experts view Japan’s transit through the Taiwan Strait as part of a broader pattern of countries increasing naval presence in response to China’s maritime assertions. The Quad grouping of Australia, India, Japan, and the United States have also expanded joint security steps in Asian waters due to shared concerns about China’s military build-up.
In response to the growing tensions, Japan expressed serious concern over China’s recent test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean. The international community will continue to monitor the situation with strong interest as military activities in the region escalate.
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