Taiwan Praises Japan’s Support as Tensions with China Deepen

Post by : Saif Nasser

Taiwan has expressed deep appreciation for Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent comments on peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Premier Cho Jung-tai said Taiwan was “very moved,” especially because these remarks were made despite strong pressure from China. His words highlight how important Japan’s support has become at a time when tensions in the region are rising.

The situation began when the Japanese prime minister told parliament that if China launched an attack on Taiwan, Japan might respond with military action. This statement shocked Beijing and pushed China–Japan relations into their worst crisis in years. China considers Taiwan its own territory and refuses to rule out using force. Taiwan’s government rejects this claim and insists on self-governance and democracy.

Speaking in Taipei while meeting Shuzo Sumi, the head of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, Premier Cho praised Japan’s courage. He said that Prime Minister Takaichi’s comments “represented justice and peace” and brought comfort to the Taiwanese government and its people. Cho added that Japan’s support meant even more because it continued despite China’s strong warnings.

Japan, like most nations, does not officially recognize Taiwan’s government and maintains formal diplomatic ties only with Beijing. However, Japan and Taiwan have maintained close unofficial cooperation, built on cultural links, shared values, and a long, complex history from 1895 to 1945, when Japan ruled the island. These ties remain strong today, even without diplomatic recognition.

China reacted heavily to the Japanese leader’s comments. Chinese airlines cancelled many flights to Japan, and Japanese singers and performers were blocked from appearing in China. Beijing also accused Prime Minister Takaichi of pushing Japan back toward militarism, a sensitive issue in the region. These actions created frustration on both sides and increased public attention to the crisis.

Premier Cho noted that the Chinese pressure has actually encouraged many Taiwanese to travel to Japan instead of other destinations. He also said Taiwan would warmly welcome Japanese performers, artists, and pop idols, promising full crowds and strong support. His remarks suggested Taiwan is eager to strengthen cultural and people-to-people exchanges with Japan.

The region’s security situation continues to evolve quickly. In the same month the China–Japan dispute grew, Taiwan announced an extra $40 billion in defence spending to protect itself from threats. President Lai Ching-te has said that peace depends on being strong enough to stop any aggression. Cho echoed that view, expressing hope that Taiwan, Japan, and the world remain safe.

Japan is also boosting its own defences. Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi recently said that Japan is moving forward with plans to place a medium-range missile unit on Yonaguni Island. This island is only about 110 kilometres from Taiwan, making it one of Japan’s closest military positions to the island.

The political situation shows that Asia’s security landscape is becoming more complex. Taiwan’s warm response to Japan reveals how important alliances have become as pressure from China increases. Japan’s firm stance also shows that the regional balance of power is shifting, with countries preparing more seriously for possible conflict scenarios.

Even though Japan does not officially recognize Taiwan’s government, the emotional and political support shared between the two has grown stronger. As China, Japan, and Taiwan continue to navigate delicate relations, every statement and every action adds new weight to the ongoing struggle for stability in the region.

The coming months will test how far Japan is willing to go to support Taiwan, how China responds to any further comments or military moves, and how Taiwan strengthens its own defence while seeking peace. For now, Taiwan’s message is clear: Japan’s support is appreciated, meaningful, and deeply felt by its people.