According to Reuters, on Friday, April 17 the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) destroyer Inazuma passed through the Taiwan Strait. This marks the first time a destroyer has been dispatched through the Taiwan Strait since Sanae Takaichi took office.
According to Japanese media reports, this is the fourth time a JMSDF vessel has transited the waters. The previous three passages occurred in September 2024, February 2025, and June 2025. After this transit, the Inazuma is expected to head to the South China Sea to participate in joint military exercises held by the United States and the Philippines.
The Yomiuri Shimbun noted that since November last year, when Takaichi referred to a “Taiwan contingency” in the Diet, triggering strong reactions from China, this is the first time a JMSDF vessel has again passed through the Taiwan Strait. Although Tokyo has sought dialogue with Beijing and improvement in bilateral relations, the move is also seen as a reaffirmation that Japan’s stance on “freedom of navigation” under international law remains unchanged.
The report also pointed out that the previous three transits were spaced several months apart, whereas this time the interval was about 10 months. The reason, it said, is that after Takaichi’s remarks, China launched a public opinion campaign, prompting Japan to adopt a more cautious assessment of timing to avoid its actions being misinterpreted or exploited.
During this period, Japan used meetings with various national leaders to explain the current state of Japan–China relations and its own position. Japan believes conditions are now suitable to resume such operations. Meanwhile, the United States has long maintained that the Taiwan Strait is international waters where freedom of navigation applies, and it continues to send warships through the area.
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The Inazuma belongs to the JMSDF 1st Surface Force and is participating in the “FY2026 Indo-Pacific Deployment” (IPD26) mission. The deployment runs from April 13 to September 16 and includes surface vessels, submarines, aviation units, and supporting forces, with the goal of promoting a “free and open Indo-Pacific.”In the future, the Inazuma is also expected to join the U.S.–Philippines joint military exercise “Balikatan.”
AloJapan.com