China Responds to Japanese Warship's Passage Through Taiwan Strait

Tensions are rising in the Taiwan Strait as China responded to a Japanese warship's passage through the waterway. The Chinese military confirmed that it had monitored the passage and lodged stern representations with Japan.

The incident occurred on Wednesday when the Japanese destroyer Sazanami made an unprecedented passage through the Taiwan Strait. This move followed similar actions by vessels from New Zealand and Australia, which also sailed through the contested waterway on the same day.

China claims jurisdiction over the Taiwan Strait, which separates the island from mainland China. However, the United States and many other countries argue that their voyages through the strait are routine and protected by the principle of freedom of navigation.

The Chinese military has accused the foreign warships of undermining China's sovereignty and security. It has also vowed to take all necessary measures to counter these threats and provocations.

This incident is the latest in a series of escalating tensions between China and Japan over the Taiwan Strait. Last week, China's Liaoning aircraft carrier sailed between two Japanese islands near Taiwan for the first time. This was followed by the first confirmed incursion into Japanese airspace by a Chinese surveillance aircraft in August.

The Japanese government has expressed concern about China's military build-up and its increasingly assertive actions in the region. Japan has vowed to do its utmost in patrolling and monitoring the situation.

The United States has also expressed concern about China's actions in the Taiwan Strait. The US has called on China to respect the principle of freedom of navigation and to avoid taking actions that could destabilize the region.

The situation in the Taiwan Strait is complex and volatile. It is important to monitor the situation closely and to call on all parties to exercise restraint and to avoid taking actions that could escalate tensions.