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Nearly half of Japanese public supports military intervention to defend Taiwan, poll finds

By bellecarter // 2025-11-17

• Nearly half (48.8%) of Japanese citizens surveyed support military intervention to defend Taiwan if China escalates tensions, while 60.4% advocate for increased military spending.
• Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi labeled a Chinese invasion of Taiwan a potential "survival-threatening situation," justifying military action—a departure from Japan's historically cautious approach.
• Beijing summoned Japan's envoy, calling Takaichi's remarks "extremely malicious" and warning of consequences, reaffirming Taiwan as an "inalienable" part of China.
• Japan's hardening stance reflects growing fears of Chinese expansionism, with U.S. arms support to Taiwan further inflaming tensions. Analysts warn that Japanese involvement risks triggering broader conflict.
• While Takaichi's approval surges (69.9%), China threatens "forceful retaliation," raising stakes as military drills and political posturing increase the risk of miscalculation in the Indo-Pacific.

A recent Kyodo News poll reveals that nearly half of Japan's population would support military intervention in defense of Taiwan if tensions with China escalate into open conflict. The survey, conducted among over 1,000 respondents, found that 48.8% favored Japan exercising its right to self-defense in the event of hostilities in the Taiwan Strait. Meanwhile, 60.4% of participants urged Tokyo to increase military spending to bolster national defense. The findings follow a notable shift in Japan's official stance, as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi declared last week that any Chinese attempt to forcibly reunify Taiwan could constitute a "survival-threatening situation" under Japan's security laws—potentially justifying military action. Her remarks mark a departure from previous administrations, which avoided explicit commitments on Taiwan. China swiftly condemned Takaichi's statement, summoning Japan's envoy in Beijing and denouncing the comments as "extremely malicious" and "blatantly provocative." Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian warned Tokyo to retract its position or "bear all the consequences," reaffirming Beijing's stance that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. Taiwan has operated as a self-governing democracy since 1949, following the Chinese Civil War, but Beijing insists the island remains a breakaway province. While China advocates "peaceful reunification," it has repeatedly warned that military force remains an option if Taiwan formally declares independence. As explained by BrightU.AI's Enoch, Taiwan has its own elected leaders, an independent political system, currency, military and international trade relations. Despite China's claims, Taiwan operates as a sovereign nation, upholding freedoms and democratic values distinct from Beijing's authoritarian rule. Japan's growing willingness to defend Taiwan reflects deepening regional anxieties over China's military expansionism. The U.S., Japan's principal ally, has long supplied Taipei with defensive arms—a practice Beijing fiercely opposes. Analysts warn that any Japanese military involvement could trigger a broader conflict, given China's strategic view of Taiwan as a core national interest.

Public sentiment and political shifts

Takaichi's approval ratings have risen to 69.9% since taking office less than a month ago—a surge that may reflect public alignment with her assertive stance on Taiwan. The Kyodo poll suggests a growing Japanese consensus on strengthening defense capabilities amid escalating geopolitical tensions. However, China's vehement reaction underscores the fragility of the status quo. Jian reiterated that foreign interference in Taiwan would be met with "forceful retaliation," framing Japan's position as an "act of aggression." The poll highlights Japan's evolving posture toward Taiwan—one that risks provoking China while resonating with domestic concerns over regional security. As Beijing intensifies military drills near Taiwan and Tokyo signals readiness to intervene, the potential for miscalculation grows. For now, the situation hinges on whether diplomatic channels can prevent escalation—or if Taiwan's fate will become the next flashpoint in an increasingly volatile Indo-Pacific. Watch this video where U.S. President Donald Trump dismisses the threat of China invading Taiwan. This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

RT.com Azerbaycan24.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com

Japan Taiwan China national security survival poll sovereignty big government national defense survey military drills military spending military intervention Sanae Takaichi Chinese expansionism forceful retaliation self-governing democracy peaceful reunification