MSDF destroyer sails through Taiwan Strait amid tensions
The JS Takanami of the Maritime Self-Defense Force joins a joint exercise with the Philippine Navy in the South China Sea on June 14. (Toshiya Obu)
The Maritime Self-Defense Force's destroyer JS Takanami passed through the contested Taiwan Strait, waters between China and Taiwan that China considers its own, in mid-June, multiple government sources said.
The move is believed to be aimed at deterring China, which has been ratcheting up its naval activities in the region.
This marks the third time that an MSDF vessel has passed through the strait, following similar passages in September last year and February this year.
According to the government sources, the JS Takanami headed south through the passageway from the East China Sea on June 12 and entered the South China Sea.
It is believed that the course was chosen deliberately on its way to a joint exercise with the Philippine Navy held on June 14.
Defense Minister Gen Nakatani reportedly advised the prime minister's office that Japan should demonstrate its resolve not to allow any unilateral attempts by China to change the status quo, and had been seeking an opportunity for such a transit.
Since late May, the Chinese navy has operated two aircraft carriers in waters near Japan.
On June 7, for the first time, the Chinese naval vessels crossed the 'second island chain,' which stretches from Japan's Izu island chain to Guam.
On June 7 and 8, carrier-based aircraft from a Chinese carrier flew unusually close to MSDF aircraft, among other activities.
(This article was written by Daisuke Yajima and Mizuki Sato.)
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