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Taiwan Strait
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Taiwan Strait Map of East Asia, indicating the Taiwan Strait.

Taiwan Strait

strait, China Sea
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Also known as: Formosa Strait, T’ai-wan Hai-hsia, Taiwan Haixia
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The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.
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Last Updated: • Article History
Also called:
Formosa Strait
Chinese (Wade-Giles romanization):
T’ai-wan Hai-hsia
Or (Pinyin):
Taiwan Haixia
See all related content

News •

KMT proposal a sovereignty risk, civic groups say • June 13, 2025, 7:04 AM ET (Taipei Times)
Lai meets with delegation from France • June 12, 2025, 9:11 AM ET (Taipei Times)
Fishers question cost of renewable energy goals • June 4, 2025, 7:09 AM ET (Taipei Times)
PLA escalates ‘gray zone’ tactics near island chain • June 3, 2025, 9:47 AM ET (Taipei Times)
Japan expands military push against China as US commitment remains in doubt • May 29, 2025, 8:24 AM ET (Straits Times)

Taiwan Strait, arm of the Pacific Ocean, 100 miles (160 km) wide at its narrowest point, lying between the coast of China’s Fukien province and the island of Taiwan (Formosa). The strait extends from southwest to northeast between the South and East China seas. It reaches a depth of about 230 feet (70 meters) and contains the Pescadores Islands (which are controlled by the government of Taiwan). The chief ports are Amoy in mainland China and Kao-hsiung on Taiwan. The area lies in a typhoon zone.

The strait was named Formosa (“Beautiful”) by Portuguese navigators in the late 16th century; although it is still known in the West by its European name, the Chinese and now most Westerners use the name Taiwan Strait.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica