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Source – This post on Taiwan Strait is based on the article “Japan warship asserts right to sail through Taiwan Strait” published in The Hindu on 27th September 2024.
Why in News?
Recently, a Japanese warship Sazanami destroyer sailed through the Taiwan Strait for the first time asserting its right to freedom of navigation.
About Taiwan Strait
1. Location: The Taiwan Strait is a narrow body of water located in East Asia, separating the island of Taiwan from mainland China.
2. It connects two major seas: The East China Sea to the north and the South China Sea to the south, making it a strategically vital waterway.
3. Size: The Taiwan Strait is about 180 kilometres (110 miles) wide at its narrowest point between Taiwan and the southeastern coast of mainland China.
The strait stretches approximately 355 kilometres (220 miles) from north to south.
4. Boundaries and Neighbouring Regions:
a) To the East: Taiwan Island, which includes major cities like Taipei and Kaohsiung along its coast.
b) To the West: The southeastern coast of mainland China, particularly the Fujian Province. Major Chinese cities near the strait include Fuzhou and Xiamen.
c) To the North: The East China Sea is a marginal sea of the Pacific Ocean, lies to the north of the Taiwan Strait, forming part of the boundary with Japan.
d) To the South: The South China Sea is a heavily trafficked region for global shipping routes, connects with the Taiwan Strait to the south.
5. Oceanographic Characteristic: It is influenced by the Kuroshio Current, which flows northward along the east coast of Taiwan, contributing to the area’s maritime climate and ocean dynamics.
6. Climate: The Taiwan Strait experiences a subtropical climate with seasonal monsoons affecting the region. Typhoons are common during the summer months, posing risks to maritime navigation.
7. Geopolitical Importance: The Taiwan Strait is crucial for global shipping, and conflict in this area could severely impact international trade, especially in industries like semiconductors where Taiwan is a key player.
8. Strategic Importance: Over 40% of global maritime trade passes through the region, making it a vital choke point. Also, Taiwan’s role in the global semiconductor industry further underscores the region’s stability as essential to the global economy.
UPSC Syllabus: World Geography
