Overview
- The destroyer JS Ikazuchi, which transited the Taiwan Strait on Friday, drew a formal protest from China and a charge of deliberate provocation.
- China’s foreign ministry said its military tracked the ship and handled the passage in line with its laws and regulations.
- Japan’s defense and foreign ministries did not offer an immediate comment on Beijing’s remarks.
- Kyodo, citing diplomatic sources, said this was the first Japanese navy passage through the strait since Sanae Takaichi took office in October.
- Many governments treat the Taiwan Strait as international waters, while Beijing ties its claim over the waterway to its claim on Taiwan, and U.S. partners stage transits to uphold navigation rights.