Japan’s no longer ambiguous stance on Taiwan

Against the backdrop of rising threats, Japan has gradually remilitarized its self-defense forces (JSDF) to prepare for sudden contingencies. Meanwhile, after several decades of stagnation, Taiwan is taking its defense seriously. This comes as China’s military grows its own capabilities, which could be used against the self-governing island in the future.

On November 7, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that any use of military force by China against Taiwan would be considered a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan, prompting Tokyo to consider deploying its defense apparatus.

Tokyo’s 2025 position is broader than that of other regional actors regarding the defense and sovereignty of Taipei, a shift that will likely affect Beijing’s strategies of coercion and aggressive maritime maneuvers.

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