What a Taiwan Contingency Means for Japan: Understanding Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Statement and Why the U.S. Shares the Same View
Tensions around Taiwan continue to rise, and the question of what a Taiwan contingency would mean for Japan has become impossible to ignore. Against this backdrop, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent remark in the Diet— “If a Taiwan emergency involves the use of force, it could constitute a situation that threatens Japan’s survival” —carries significant strategic meaning. This was not merely a political soundbite. It touches on the core logic of Japan’s defense posture, the role of Taiwan as a strategic buffer, and the alignment between Japan and the United States. This article breaks down what her statement really implies by focusing on three key ideas: escalation stages , the loss of a buffer zone , and the importance of Taiwan’s continued sovereignty . ■ Why “use of force” and “could become” matter Two phrases in Takaichi’s statement deserve special attention: “If it involves the use of force” “It could become a situation threatening Japan’s survival” These words show ...