For the first time in its history, Japan has openly declared the possibility of a military response if China attacks Taiwan. In November 2025, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated a position Japanese leaders had long avoided, emphasizing Taiwan's critical importance to Japan.
This statement comes amid large-scale Chinese military drills around Taiwan, the biggest since 1996. Japan is quickly strengthening ties with Taiwan, engaging in joint coast guard exercises, an increased number of political visits, launching joint satellites, and making billion-dollar investments in the semiconductor industry.
2024 saw the inauguration of Taiwan’s new president, followed by Chinese operations at sea and in the air, including exercises simulating a blockade of the island and potential strikes against Taiwan’s infrastructure. China has been clear in demonstrating its capacity and willingness to isolate the island before a full-scale invasion.
In response, Japan is boosting the militarization and defense of its southwestern islands, increasing the defense budget, modernizing weaponry, restoring its aircraft carrier fleet, and building strategic infrastructure near Taiwan. Japan is also actively diversifying imports and reducing dependence on China, with Taiwan supplying over 60% of Japan's semiconductor imports.
There is no formal military alliance between Japan and Taiwan due to constitutional limitations and diplomatic details, but informal cooperation and coordination continue to expand, including training and information sharing.
Tensions are rising as all sides openly prepare for possible conflict. Experts note that China’s aggressive policy has already shifted the balance of power in the region. Japan views Taiwan’s security as a strategic interest amid global instability and the risk of change to the current regional order in Asia.
