Japan Faces Test of Pacifism as China retaliates Over Taiwan Stance
TOKYO – barely a month into her premiership, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has spurred a significant escalation in tensions with China, prompting harsh economic countermeasures from Beijing.The fallout – including suspended travel and seafood purchases – is now becoming apparent to the Japanese public.
On November 7th, responding to questioning from an opposition lawmaker, Takaichi described a potential Chinese attack on Taiwan as an “existential threat” to Japan, suggesting possible Japanese military intervention. This stance builds upon 2015 peace and security laws, championed by her predecessor Shinzo abe, which allow japans “Self-defense Forces” to participate in “collective defense” operations alongside allies.
Takaichi, a prominent figure on the right wing of the long-ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), aims to reshape Japan’s strategic direction, providing its military with a “mandate suited to the geopolitical realities of the contemporary world.” Her firm position on Taiwan marks a departure from the more conciliatory approaches taken by previous Japanese administrations despite ongoing friction in the Sino-Japanese relationship.
The potential for conflict stems from Taiwan’s proximity to Japan - roughly 100 kilometers from Yonaguni, the southernmost Japanese island. A Chinese military intervention, particularly a blockade of the Taiwan Strait, would disrupt vital supply lines to Japan, including hydrocarbon imports. Moreover, any U.S. defense of Taiwan would likely originate from bases in Okinawa, Japan, potentially drawing Japan into the conflict under the 2015 provisions, as the nation would be considered under an “existential threat” and eligible for “collective defense” operations with the US.
