TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Former Japan National Security Secretariat Secretary-General Kitamura Shigeru proposed Thursday, at a symposium in Washington, that Japan and Taiwan's Coast Guards conduct joint exercises to counter China's grey zone tactics.
During a discussion with Hudson Institute Senior Fellow Jason Hsu (許毓仁) on Japan's role in the Indo-Pacific, Kitamura said Chinese coast guard vessels have recently operated in waters east of Taiwan and entered the exclusive economic zone around Yonaguni Island, Japan's westernmost inhabited island and the territory closest to Taiwan, per CNA. He said China has asserted jurisdiction in those waters.
Kitamura said Japan should strengthen its Coast Guard capabilities to counter Chinese actions. In an interview following the symposium, he added that joint exercises between Japan and Taiwan Coast Guards would be an effective way to respond to Beijing's grey zone warfare.
Kitamura also said Japan should consider how to respond in the event of a Taiwan contingency, arguing that the Japan Self-Defense Forces should play a role. He called for stronger military deterrence through closer security cooperation among Taiwan, Japan, and the US, per UDN.
Kitamura also urged Japan to deepen its economic and industrial ties with Taiwan. Asked about the possibility of a Chinese naval blockade of Taiwan, he said Tokyo should intervene and provide assistance if permitted under Japanese law.
During the discussion, Kitamura also addressed China's recent test launch of a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean. He said Beijing is developing such weapons with the US mainland in mind and suggested the technology may be nearing operational maturity.
Kitamura said Japan has long faced the threat of Chinese ballistic missiles.
