Analysis by Péter Bálint Szabó
This paper explores Japan’s position in relation to Taiwan including Japanese policy options in different potential conflict scenarios around the island. Japan has a substantial stake in the conflict, given its economic ties to China and Taiwan, energy security, and its military alliance with the United States. In recent years, Japan’s deterrence capabilities were greatly enhanced by the reinterpretation of its constitution in 2014, as well as the development of its military capabilities. Regardless of its pacifist heritage, its geographic proximity and diplomatic as well as security relations make Japan an innate part of any conflict over the fate of Taiwan. The main conclusion is that these factors, as well as its vital economic and strategic interests make the Japanese position not radically different from other countries reacting to similar crises.
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