The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force’s destroyer Sazanami passing through the Taiwan Strait is a significant geopolitical move, marking Japan’s increased involvement in the region’s military dynamics.
Historically, Japan has adhered to a post-war policy of pacifism, but growing concerns over China’s assertiveness such as frequent military maneuvers and recent missile tests have prompted Japan to take bolder steps in national defense.
This transit also aligns Japan with the U.S. and its allies, reinforcing the stance that the Taiwan Strait constitutes international waters where freedom of navigation is crucial.
Warships from Britain, Canada, Australia, and Germany have similarly navigated the strait in recent years, sending a clear signal to China regarding regional sovereignty and maritime rights.
The timing of the Sazanami’s movement is particularly noteworthy, coinciding with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s final month in office and the U.N. General Assembly, where President Joe Biden reaffirmed the U.S.’s trilateral partnership with Japan and South Korea to maintain a free, open, secure, and peaceful Indo-Pacific.
While Japan’s government has yet to issue a statement on the transit, the decision is a clear assertion of Japan’s willingness to support Taiwan and stand by its allies amidst rising tensions in the region.