JAPANESE WARSHIP SAILS THROUGH TAIWAN STRAIT FOR THE FIRST TIME
In a bold move, a Japanese warship, JS Sazanami, navigated through the Taiwan Strait, marking a significant milestone. The naval destroyer made its way from north to south on Wednesday, flanked by ships from Australia and New Zealand, en route to military exercises in the South China Sea.
The passage through the Taiwan Strait is a departure from Japan’s previous cautious approach, as it sought to avoid antagonizing China, which claims authority over Taiwan and the strait. While Japan, Taiwan, and China have not officially acknowledged the maneuver, Chinese state newspaper Global Times reported that the Chinese military closely monitored and tracked the vessels.
The Taiwan Strait has seen increased activity from the US and its allies, asserting their right to navigate freely through the strategic waterway. Despite China’s claims of sovereignty over the strait, both the US and Taiwan maintain that it is international waters and open to all naval vessels.
Recent years have seen a shift in the geopolitical landscape, with nations like Canada, Australia, Britain, France, and most recently Germany, sending naval ships through the strait. These transits are seen as political statements challenging China’s claims and asserting freedom of navigation.
Japan’s decision to sail through the Taiwan Strait reflects a broader push by countries in the region to counter China’s maritime ambitions. With China’s increasing assertiveness, nations like Japan have ramped up their naval presence to address the evolving security challenges in the region.
The Quad group of nations, comprising Japan, Australia, India, and the US, have also pledged to enhance cooperation on maritime security to counter China’s growing influence in the South China Sea. The strategic maneuvering in the region underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics at play.
