Japanese Destroyer Transits Taiwan Straits; China No Smile

Monday, April 20, 2026

Taipei, April 18 (CNA) The transit of a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) warship through the Taiwan Strait on Friday reflected Tokyo's reaffirmation of its right to free passage through the international waterway, an academic has said.

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The passage by the destroyer JS Ikazuchi, from 4:02 a.m. to 5:50 p.m., was reported by the Chinese People's Liberation Army's (PLA) Eastern Theater Command on Friday night. The command said it had dispatched naval and air forces to shadow the Japanese vessel.

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Friday it had "strongly protested" the transit with Tokyo.

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense declined to comment, saying only that it was closely monitoring the surrounding waters and airspace using joint intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems.

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