BEIJING, April 17 -- The Japanese destroyer JS Ikazuchi transited the Taiwan Strait from 4:02 to 17:50 on April 17, said Army Senior Colonel Xu Chenghua, spokesperson for the Chinese PLA Eastern Theater Command, in a written statement on Friday.

The spokesperson said that the act of the Japanese side sent wrong signals to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, adding that the Chinese PLA Eastern Theater Command deployed navy and air force troops to track and monitor the vessel throughout the process, ensuring an effective control of the situation.

"Forces of the Chinese PLA Eastern Theater Command will remain on high alert at all times, and resolutely safeguard China's sovereignty and security, as well as regional peace and stability," stressed the spokesperson.