Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer Sazanami passed through the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday**, marking the first time a modern Japanese warship has navigated this strategically sensitive waterway. This move aligns with the stance of the U.S. and other allies, asserting that the strip constitutes international waters where freedom of navigation must be upheld. Japan's decision to send the Sazanami through the strait is significant given its decades of post-war pacifism and its efforts to beef up its national defense as China's assertiveness grows. **This bold move by Japan appears to signal that it will stand with allies, as well as support Taiwan.