Provocation in the Taiwan Strait

The entry was handled “in accordance with laws and regulations,” a spokesperson for the Chinese ministry said during a press briefing. He emphasised that Japan’s actions “seriously endanger China’s sovereignty and security.” Tokyo was urged to “turn back from the wrong path” and exercise restraint in both words and actions.

The Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force’s escort shipIkazuchi sailed through the Taiwan Strait on Friday, April 17. It was the first passage of a Japanese naval vessel through the strait since Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi took office in October 2025. Tokyo has not yet commented on its decision or on China’s accusations.

Relations between Beijing and Tokyo have remained tense since the Japanese prime minister’s declaration in November. She stated that a Chinese attack on Taiwan would constitute “a threat to Japan’s existence” and could trigger a military response from Tokyo. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Japan’s show of force demonstrates the spread of “a new militarism” and reveals “the deeply rooted, harmful influence of the Japanese government’s misguided policies on key issues in China–Japan relations, such as history and the Taiwan question.”