Japan-US alliance would collapse if Tokyo ignored Taiwan crisis: TakaichiReuters, TOKYO and BEIJINGJapan’s strategic alliance with the US would collapse if Tokyo were to turn away from a conflict in Taiwan, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said yesterday, but distanced herself from previous comments that suggested a possible military response in such an event. Ties between Japan and China have sunk to the worst level in years after Takaichi said in November that a hypothetical Chinese attack on Taiwan could bring about a Japanese military response. “If something serious happens there, we would have to go to rescue the Japanese and American citizens in Taiwan. “And if the US forces, acting jointly with us, come under attack and Japan does nothing and simply runs away, the Japan-US alliance would collapse. With an eye on the electorate, Takaichi has stopped short of retracting the remarks from November, saying her stance was consistent with Japan’s long-standing policy.

Source: Taipei Times January 27, 2026 16:05 UTC