According to government officials, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer “Sazanami” passed through the Taiwan Strait for the first time on September 25.

The destroyer entered the strait from the north in the morning and passed through by that night.

The United States, among other countries, assert that the Taiwan Strait is international waters while China claims it is not.

Japan had previously considered China’s claims and did not traverse the strait.

China violated Japan’s territorial airspace for the first time last month and has been increasing military activity.

The Japanese government decided to pass through to display a resolute attitude.