Lin Jian, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson/MFA PRC

China warned on Thursday that it is highly vigilant on Japan's political intention behind this move and has protested to the Japanese side, after a Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer for the first time sailed through the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday.

"The Taiwan question concerns China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. It is the political foundation of China-Japan relations and a red line that must not be crossed. The Chinese military has handled in accordance with laws and regulations the entering into the Taiwan Strait of a Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force vessel." China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a regular press conference in Beijing on Thursday.

Lin pointed out that Japan made a clear commitment on this in the 1972 China-Japan Joint Statement, which says "The Government of Japan recognizes the Government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal Government of China. The Government of the People's Republic of China reiterates that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the territory of the People's Republic of China. The Government of Japan fully understands and respects this position of the Government of the People's Republic of China, and it firmly maintains its position under Article 8 of the Potsdam Proclamation."

"We urge Japan to honor its commitment and act prudently on the Taiwan question, and refrain from causing disruption to its relations with China and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait." Lin said. (By Ma Ziqian/China Youth Daily)