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Taiwan Strait
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Map of East Asia highlighting the Taiwan Strait, which separates mainland China from the island of Taiwan. The strait is labeled in orange, and surrounding countries such as Japan, South Korea, North Korea, and India are shown for geographic context. An inset globe in the upper left marks the region's location within Asia.
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water glass on white background. (drink; clear; clean water; liquid)
Water and its Varying Forms
Quick Facts
Also called:
Formosa Strait
Chinese (Wade-Giles romanization):
T’ai-wan Hai-hsia
Or (Pinyin):
Taiwan Haixia
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Locator map of the Taiwan Strait between the southeastern coast of China and the island of Taiwan, with surrounding countries and seas labeled for geographic context.
Taiwan Strait Map of East Asia, indicating the Taiwan Strait.

Taiwan Strait

strait, China Sea
Also known as: Formosa Strait, T’ai-wan Hai-hsia, Taiwan Haixia(Show More)
Written and fact-checked by
Britannica Editors
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....
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Last updated
•History

News •

G7 foreign ministers reiterate opposition to coercion in Taiwan Strait • Nov. 10, 2026, 11:00 AM ET (Taipei Times)
Taiwan Strait peace a priority: IPAC • Nov. 7, 2026, 11:00 AM ET (Taipei Times)
MOFA slams Chinese statements • Nov. 7, 2026, 11:00 AM ET (Taipei Times)
Ministry thanks Japan and Germany for support • Oct. 29, 2026, 12:00 PM ET (Taipei 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.

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