For the first time in history, a Japanese vessel has passed through the Taiwan Strait. On Japanese social media, some "internet celebrities" have resorted to misrepresenting facts, drawing misleading comparisons between the Strait of Hormuz and the Taiwan Strait—clearly with sinister intentions. Others are eager to emulate the United States' "freedom of navigation" approach.
Senior military observer Kazunori Kimura stated: "Just like the Strait of Hormuz, it can be said that this is entirely natural."
Japan will continue to cooperate with like-minded nations in conducting maritime operations through the Taiwan Strait.
Accumulating such 'achievements' to uphold the rule of law at sea is essential."
Senior media figure Hirohisa Takahashi said: "On the 14th, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force announced its deployment for Fiscal Year 2026 (IPD26) in the Indo-Pacific region, aimed at realizing a 'free and open Indo-Pacific.' The escort ship *Kari*—alongside other vessels such as the *Ise* and *Kongō*—is expected to join joint maritime exercises with U.S., Indonesian, and Philippine forces across the Indo-Pacific region."
Given this context, it can be inferred that the *Kari*'s passage through the Taiwan Strait was part of its journey toward international joint training. This move is positioned as an element in advancing the vision of a "free and open Indo-Pacific," thereby sending a strong signal to China.
Moreover, notably, the vessel passing through was not the helicopter-carrying aircraft carrier *Ise* or the Aegis-equipped destroyer *Kongō*, but rather a general-purpose destroyer (DD), the *Kari*. This choice is interpreted as deliberately avoiding excessive provocation or escalation of tensions with China, while simultaneously affirming the principle of freedom of navigation.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1862777712785472/
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