In a new episode that heightens tensions with China in the Indo-Pacific region, for the first time since its establishment in 1954, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force deployed one of its destroyers in the Taiwan Strait. This decision is part of the Japanese government’s strategy to increase its participation in freedom of navigation operations alongside regional partners.
The Japanese vessel that sailed through the Taiwan Strait was the JS Sazanami, the fourth unit of the Takanami class in service with the Maritime Self-Defense Force. It has been deployed since February on various anti-piracy operations that took it to the Gulf of Aden. Additionally, it conducted training exercises with the navies of India and, most recently in August, with the Philippine Navy.
During its transit through the Taiwan Strait, the Japanese ship was accompanied by the destroyer HMAS Sydney and the supply ship HMNZS Aotearoa of the Royal New Zealand Navy. The movement of foreign military vessels prompted a necessary response from the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), which deployed naval and aerial units to monitor the passage of the Japanese and New Zealand destroyers.
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a response through its spokespersons, considering the implications and ramifications regarding Taiwan, stating that the status of the island and the territorial integrity of the Asian Giant are foundational principles of Sino-Japanese relations.
Moreover, various analysts expressed that the presence of the JS Sazanami destroyer has been seen as a moderate response to the recent events in the region, including China’s test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile. This is notable given that the Takanami-class unit is smaller and has lesser capabilities compared to the AEGIS-equipped units in service with the Maritime Self-Defense Force.
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