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Japan Warship Crosses Taiwan Strait, China Protests as Ties Sour

A Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force destroyer sailed through the Taiwan Strait, marking the first such passage since Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi took office. China's Foreign and Defence Ministries lodged strong protests, calling the action a provocation and a violation of the One China principle. The Chinese military deployed assets to monitor the vessel, vowing to counter any external interference. The Japanese destroyer is scheduled to participate in a major joint military exercise in the Philippines next.

Key Points: Japan Destroyer in Taiwan Strait Draws China Protest

  • First passage under PM Takaichi
  • China lodges strong diplomatic protest
  • PLA monitors vessel with air, naval assets
  • Action seen as provocation over Taiwan
  • Vessel en route to Philippines military drill
2 min read

Japanese destroyer sails through Taiwan Strait, China lodges strong protest

Japan sends destroyer through Taiwan Strait, prompting a strong protest from China and raising regional tensions under PM Takaichi.

"We urge the Japanese side to return to the right path, strictly abide by the One China principle - China's Defence Ministry Spokesperson"

Tokyo, April 17

The Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force destroyer J S Ikazuchi sailed through Taiwan Strait on Friday, the country's media reported.

According to Japan's leading Kyodo news agency, Tokyo had long refrained from sending MSDF vessels through the strait to avoid provoking Beijing, until September 2024 when the destroyer Sazanami became the first to do so. Two MSDF ships subsequently passed through the strait in February and June 2025.

"It is the first such passage since Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi took office last October and could further strain ties between the two Asian neighbours, which have soured since her remarks in November about a Taiwan contingency," Kyodo news reported.

It added that the vessel is scheduled to take part in an annual large-scale joint military exercise called Balikatan, in the Philippines from Monday through May 8.

Meanwhile, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said that Japan has sought to provoke China by these actions, asserting that the self-ruled island status of Taiwan is a "red line that must not be crossed."

According to Xinhua news agency, China's Ministry of National Defence has lodged a strong protest with Japan.

The Defence Ministry's spokesperson said that the passage of the Japanese vessel sent wrong signals to the secessionist forces in Taiwan. "We urge the Japanese side to return to the right path, strictly abide by the One China principle and the spirit of the four political documents between China and Japan," he said, adding that the Chinese military will take firm measures to counter any external interference while remaining on high alert.

Spokesperson for China's Eastern Theatre Command, Xu Chenghua said that the PLA has deployed air and naval assets to monitor and track the vessel to maintain control of the situation.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Watching this from India, it feels like a power play far from our shores, but it matters. Freedom of navigation is a principle we should all support. However, Japan's new PM seems to be taking a more assertive stance. Hope it doesn't escalate into something that affects the entire region's trade and security.
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Rohit P
China talks about "red lines" but is always the first to cross others' lines. 🤷‍♂️ Their aggression in the South China Sea is well known. Japan is just exercising its rights. As an Indian, I support any action that keeps China's expansionist tendencies in check. The joint exercise in the Philippines is a good signal.
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Priya S
While I understand the strategic posturing, I have a respectful criticism. These military gestures, whether by Japan or China, increase tensions for ordinary people. Inflation and supply chain issues hit us common folks hardest when trade routes get threatened. Leaders should focus more on economic cooperation than on showing naval strength.
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Vikram M
The timing with the Balikatan exercises is key. It shows a coordinated effort among nations concerned about China. India must watch and learn. Our own challenges with a assertive neighbour mean we need strong partnerships in the Indo-Pacific. Japan is a crucial partner for us.
K
Kavya N
It's the same old story. One side sails, the other protests. The real issue is the people of Taiwan caught in the middle. Their right to self-determination seems to be ignored by powerful countries making these geopolitical moves. The world needs a peaceful resolution, not more gunboat diplomacy.

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