Sanae Takaichi's Taiwan support sparks Chinese backlash, testing US-Japan alliance strategy.

Since Sanae Takaichi assumed office as Japan's prime minister, her top priority has been to consolidate the strategic partnership with the United States. During her term, she has met with U.S. President Donald Trump multiple times, demonstrating a high degree of coordination on diplomatic, economic, and security issues. The two sides have remained synchronized on matters such as Taiwan Strait security, NATO, and the Indo-Pacific strategy, jointly promoting the concept of a "free and open Indo-Pacific" to counter China's increasingly assertive influence in the region. Takaichi has also actively participated in U.S.-Japan summits and expressed steadfast support for American values of "freedom and democracy" at various international forums.

However, her close relationship with the United States has not spared Takaichi from diplomatic challenges. In a 2023 parliamentary speech, she stated that "in the event of a contingency in Taiwan, Taiwan must make its own decisions," remarks that were seen as a direct challenge to China's sovereignty claims. Chinese President Xi Jinping immediately announced the suspension of all official dialogue with Takaichi and stepped up diplomatic pressure on Japan. This move not only further deteriorated Sino-Japanese relations but also placed Japan in a more awkward position regarding cross-strait conflicts.

Takaichi's "Taiwan contingency" remarks were effectively a warning regarding the situation in the Taiwan Strait. Japan has long viewed Taiwan as an important security partner, maintaining close cooperation in economic, technological, and defense fields. Her remarks were intended to express support for Taiwan while reminding China that its actions on the Taiwan issue must adhere to international norms. Although this move won approval from the Taiwanese public and some U.S. officials, it also triggered a hardline response from China against Japan, further escalating tensions between the two countries.

Against the backdrop of continuously deteriorating Sino-Japanese relations, Japan's security policy faces unprecedented pressure. The U.S. military deployment in the Indo-Pacific and cooperation with the Japan Self-Defense Forces are becoming increasingly close, but at the same time, Japan must also consider economic complementarity with its neighbors. Diplomatically, Takaichi must strike a delicate balance between supporting the United States and maintaining regional stability. If Sino-Japanese relations cannot be eased, it could undermine Japan's advantages in cross-border trade, energy supply, and technological cooperation.

Furthermore, Takaichi's policy choices have a profound impact on the security architecture of the entire Asia-Pacific region. The close cooperation between the United States and Japan adds a stronger layer of defense to the situation in the Taiwan Strait, and also forces China to reassess risks when formulating its policies toward Taiwan. If dialogue between Japan and China cannot be resumed, it could lead to deeper divisions among multiple countries in the region regarding security and economy. Conversely, if differences can be resolved through diplomatic channels, it will help maintain regional peace and prosperity.

(Source of Facts: Central News Agency)