Japan US Alliance Would Weaken if Tokyo Ignored Taiwan Crisis

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said on Tuesday that the Japan–United States security alliance would lose credibility if Tokyo failed to respond to a Taiwan crisis, underlining the importance of coordinated action with Washington in the event of a regional conflict.

Speaking in a televised interview, Takaichi said Japan could not remain passive if U.S. forces were attacked during a Taiwan contingency.

She stressed that any Japanese response would be limited to what is permitted under the country’s constitution and security legislation, rejecting suggestions that she was advocating offensive military action.

“If Japan ignored such a situation, the alliance itself would no longer function,” Takaichi said, adding that cooperation with the United States was essential to maintaining regional stability and deterrence.

• Japan–US alliance would weaken if Tokyo ignored a Taiwan crisis, says Takaichi
• PM warns Japan cannot stay passive if US forces are attacked in Taiwan scenario
• Takaichi links Taiwan Strait stability directly to Japan’s national security

Her comments followed renewed debate over Japan’s role in a potential Taiwan crisis, an issue that has drawn sharp reactions from China. Beijing claims Taiwan as its territory and has criticised statements by Japanese leaders that link Japan’s security directly to developments in the Taiwan Strait.

Takaichi previously faced diplomatic backlash from China after remarks late last year suggesting Japan could act in support of U.S. forces if a conflict erupted over Taiwan. Chinese officials accused Tokyo of interfering in China’s internal affairs, leading to a brief cooling of bilateral ties, including restrictions on some exchanges.

Japan formally adheres to the one China policy but has increasingly voiced concern over China’s military activity near Taiwan and in surrounding seas. Japanese officials argue that instability in the Taiwan Strait would directly affect Japan’s security, given its proximity and reliance on key sea lanes.

The prime minister said Tokyo would continue to prioritise dialogue while strengthening deterrence through cooperation with allies. She reiterated that Japan’s actions would be defensive in nature and guided by international law.

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Takaichi’s remarks come as her government prepares for a general election next month, with security policy expected to be a central issue. Analysts say her stance reflects an effort to reassure Washington of Japan’s reliability as an ally while signalling to Beijing that Tokyo will not ignore developments that could threaten its national security.