japanese Public Opinion Split on military Action Regarding Taiwan, Kyodo Poll Reveals
TOKYO, Oct 26 – A recent Kyodo News poll indicates a stark division among Japanese citizens regarding potential military involvement should china attack Taiwan, with roughly half believing Japan should defend Taiwan even without a U.S. alliance, while the other half opposes such action. The survey, conducted Oct. 21-23, highlights the complex and sensitive nature of the issue as tensions rise across the Taiwan Strait.
The findings underscore a growing debate within Japan about its security posture and its role in regional stability. With China’s military assertiveness increasing and the future of the U.S.-Japan alliance subject to potential shifts, the question of whether Japan would – and should – intervene militarily to protect Taiwan carries notable implications for Japan’s defense strategy, its relationship with both China and the United States, and the broader geopolitical landscape of East Asia.
According to the poll, 53% of respondents said Japan should come to Taiwan’s aid even without a U.S.-Japan security treaty obligation,compared to 42% who said it should not. This marks a shift from a similar Kyodo survey conducted in 2021, where 55% opposed independent defense of Taiwan.
When respondents were asked specifically about joint Japan-U.S. defense of Taiwan, support rose to 69%, while opposition decreased to 26%.The survey also revealed that 86% of Japanese citizens view China’s growing military influence as a “concern,” with 65% expressing “strong concern.”
The poll was conducted via telephone, reaching 1,057 eligible voters nationwide. The response rate was 33.6%.
