Which strait separates Taiwan from mainland China across the South China Sea?

The Taiwan Strait separates Taiwan from mainland China across the South China Sea.

It is roughly 180 kilometres wide at its broadest point and about 350 kilometres long. The strait is also called the Formosa Strait, after Formosa, the historical European name for Taiwan. Its waters contain islands and shallow areas, especially toward the Chinese coast.

The Taiwan Strait is part of the sea route between the East China Sea and the South China Sea. It has major importance for regional commerce, fisheries and security. Several offshore islands, including the Penghu archipelago, lie within the strait.

The Taiwan Strait is sometimes confused with the Luzon Strait, which lies farther south between Taiwan and the Philippines. The Taiwan Strait itself is the waterway directly between Taiwan and the Asian mainland.