TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan is closely monitoring an apparent shift in Japan’s position toward Taiwan Strait issues following recent remarks by Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae, per The Economist.

On Nov. 7, during a session in Japan’s Diet, Takaichi said a Chinese attack on Taiwan could threaten Japan’s survival, which she indicated could justify military intervention to defend an ally such as the US, The Economist reported Tuesday. The comments triggered a sharp backlash from China, which has demanded that Japan retract the remarks and stop what it calls provocations on China-related issues.

China’s response has been marked by unusually blunt and aggressive rhetoric. Beijing has also warned of economic and diplomatic reprisals, including advising its citizens to avoid traveling to or studying in Japan.

The Economist noted that while China accuses Japan’s right-wing political forces of trying to overturn its pacifist constitution, Japan’s stance on Taiwan’s security has been hardening in recent years. A 2021 defense white paper, for example, underlined that stability around Taiwan is critical to Japan’s own security.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned China’s frequent large-scale military maneuvers in the Taiwan Strait and East China Sea, accusing Beijing of disrupting regional peace and stability. Taiwan has stressed its commitment to strengthening self-defense capabilities and working with like-minded countries to maintain security in the region.

Japan’s government has sought to reassure Beijing that its official Taiwan policy remains consistent with past commitments, even as Takaichi signals a readiness to review Japan’s broader security strategy.