Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Israeli media: For the first time, Prime Minister Netanyahu is signaling that he wants to end the war on Gaza
Israeli Channel 12, citing an American source: We want to have entered a path toward captive release and a ceasefire before Netanyahu arrives in Washington
Lebanese Ministry of Health: One martyr and two injured in the Israeli airstrike that targeted a motorcycle in the town of Mahrouna
Al Mayadeen correspondent to Southern Lebanon: An Israeli drone strike targeted a vehicle between the towns of Jwayya and Mahrouna.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent in South Lebanon: One martyred in the Israeli drone strike on a car in the town of Kawnin
Al Mayadeen's correspondent in South Lebanon: Israeli drone targets a car in the town of Kawnin
Naeini: If our national interests are attacked again, our response this time will be stronger and more destructive
Naeini: The war has proven that the settlers are defenseless against Iranian missile and drone forces
Naeini: Trump lacks an understanding of the true strength of the Iranian people and is so deluded as to believe he can change the reality of Iran's victory
Naeini: The defeat led to Trump's confusion and loss of balance, which was reflected in his ill-considered statements

Japan wary of joining fight over Taiwan alongside allies vs China: WSJ

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: The Wall Street Journal
  • 15 Jul 2023 13:46
  • 1 Shares
3 Min Read

It remains unclear whether Japan would partake in a military campaign against China in the case of conflict over Taiwan.

  • x
  • Ground Self-Defense Force troops take part in a military review at the GSDF's Asaka training ground in Saitama Prefecture in October 2018 (AFP)
    Ground Self-Defense Force troops take part in a military review at the GSDF's Asaka training ground in Saitama Prefecture in October 2018 (AFP)

For over a year, American and Japanese military officials have been engaged in discussions regarding a plan for a potential conflict over Taiwan. 

However, the central question of whether Japan would join the fight remains unresolved, as Tokyo faces challenges due to its economic ties with Russia and concerns about public opinion against getting involved in the conflict, The Wall Street Journal reported. 

Japan, located just 110 km from Taiwan and hosting a significant presence of US troops (54,000), plays a crucial role in the US strategy of counteracting China, with potential bases for an initial response, but Japan's approval would be required under a longstanding agreement with the US, and refusal could jeopardize the alliance.

The military forces of Japan, referred to as the Self-Defense Forces, currently possess a fleet of 50 destroyers, 22 attack submarines, and over 300 jet fighters. In late 2022, the Japanese government announced its intention to increase military spending by approximately 60% over the next five years, with the goal of reaching a budget equivalent to 2% of the country's gross domestic product.

Read more: South Korea urges AP4 NATO allies in response to DPRK missile launch

While Japan has invested in defense capabilities and possesses the ability to respond militarily if a close ally is under attack, concerns over escalation, including potential attacks from China's allies or the use of nuclear weapons, weigh heavily on Tokyo's hesitancy.

Related News

Japan executes 'Twitter killer' for 2017 serial murders

Japan cancels US security talks over defense spending demands

It would prove challenging to convince Japan to participate directly in the conflict, the WSJ revealed, as Japanese leaders avoid public discourse on their involvement in a potential Taiwan war, largely due to widespread public opposition. 

“If you ask the question of whether you are willing to risk your life to defend Taiwan, I think 90% of Japanese people would say ‘no’ at this point,” said Satoru Mori, a professor of politics at Keio University in Tokyo.

A spokesperson from the Pentagon claims that the United States and Japan are dedicated to maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait and that the US embraces Japan's desire to broaden its roles, missions, and capabilities, recognizing that this would contribute to strengthening deterrence in the region.

The US is seeking clarity from Japan as the two sides develop an operational plan for a potential military conflict over Taiwan. While the US hopes Japan would assist in covering various logistical aspects such as supply routes, missile-launcher sites, and refugee-evacuation plans, Japan expresses its willingness to support the US military through provisions like fuel and supplies.

However, the lack of meaningful public discussion in Japan about explicit readiness to support the US in the event of a war over Taiwan raises concerns of potential political chaos and challenges in managing the US alliance amid public concern.

Despite Japan's military buildup and increased defense budget, decision-making may be hindered by civilian controls imposed after World War II, which could impact timely responses in a critical situation, while Japan aims to avoid frontline involvement in the conflict.

Read more: Taiwan urges Australia to send military attachés

  • Japan
  • Taiwan
  • US
  • China

Most Read

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian attends a protest following the US attacks on nuclear sites in Iran, in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, June 22, 2025. (AP)

Iran declares victory as ceasefire forces Israeli retreat

  • Politics
  • 24 Jun 2025
Israeli workers survey the site where a missile launched from Iran struck in Haifa on Sunday, June 22, 2025. (AP)

True Promise 3, wave 20: 40 missiles launched, Kheibar-Shekan in first

  • Politics
  • 22 Jun 2025
Iran launches strikes on Israeli targets, despite alleged ceasefire

Iran victorious as ceasefire with 'Israel' takes effect

  • Politics
  • 24 Jun 2025
Iranian worshippers carry their country's flags in a protest to condemn Israeli attacks on multiple cities across Iran, after the Friday prayers ceremony in Tehran, Iran, Friday, June 20, 2025. (AP)

Iran warns of NPT withdrawal, Strait of Hormuz closure after US attack

  • Politics
  • 22 Jun 2025

Coverage

All
The Ummah's Martyrs

Read Next

All
Israeli occupation soldiers search for settlers amid the rubble of buildings destroyed by an Iranian missile strike in Bat Yam, central occupied Palestine, on Sunday, June 15, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Iran missile strike flattens Bat Yam, displaces 2,000 settlers

Palestinian fighters from the Islamic Jihad militant group riding on a truck with weaponry on display take part in an anti-Israel parade marking the 36th anniversary of the movement's founding, in Gaza City, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023 (AP)
Politics

Palestinian Resistance attacks Israeli forces in Khan Younis, Jabalia

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stands waiting to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin for the talks at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Monday, June 23, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Iran suspends IAEA cooperation, Araghchi blames Grossi for attacks

The commander of the Quds Force's Palestine Unit, Brigadier General Mohammad Said Izadi (Illustrated by Mahdi Rtail for Al Mayadeen English)
Politics

Who was Mohammad Said Izadi, head of the Quds Force's Palestine Unit?

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS