The decision to send a Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer through the Taiwan Strait for the first time was a show of determination against Chinese military actions that threaten Japanese sovereignty. Reports suggest that Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered preparations for invading Taiwan to be completed by 2027, and some believe that China’s increased military activity is part of these preparations.
In the past, Japanese governments have been cautious about sending MSDF vessels through the waterway between China and Taiwan in order to avoid escalating military tensions. However, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida became increasingly concerned about Japan’s security environment and decided that sticking to this approach would not protect peace.
Recently, a Russian military aircraft violated Japan’s airspace near Rebun Island in Hokkaido. In response, Air Self-Defense Force fighter jets launched warning flares for the first time. Some observers speculate that Beijing and Moscow are intentionally escalating tensions to test Japan’s response during this perceived political power vacuum following Kishida’s announcement of stepping down.
It is expected that China will react angrily to the passage of Sazanami through the Taiwan Strait and may take retaliatory measures. The winner of Friday’s Liberal Democratic Party presidential election, who will become Japan’s presumptive new prime minister, will face important decisions regarding the nation’s policy towards China.
Related Article
