Takaichi says ties will ‘collapse’ if US forces are hit in Taiwan and Tokyo does nothing

Japan's economic security minister, Sanae Takaichi, stated that the Japan-US alliance would "collapse" if US forces, acting jointly with Japan, were attacked during a Taiwan conflict and Japan did not respond. Takaichi made these remarks on a Japanese television program, clarifying previous statements made in November regarding a potential "Taiwan contingency." She emphasized that Japan would act within the limits of existing laws, making a comprehensive judgment based on the situation on the ground. Her earlier comments, suggesting a cross-strait attack on Taiwan could threaten Japan's survival and justify military mobilization, had already strained relations between Tokyo and Beijing. Takaichi's recent statements further elaborate on Japan's potential military involvement in a Taiwan conflict.

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