YONAGUNI, Japan: China’s growing assertiveness toward Taiwan has sparked a public push by Japanese leaders to plan a possible conflict, a change that could lead to closer cooperation with the U.S. military.
Tokyo officials, usually wary of annoying Beijing, speak openly about preparing for a crisis and supporting Taiwan, a self-governing island claimed by China, despite Japan’s pacifist constitution.
Like the US, Japan does not maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan. But on Friday, lawmakers in Tokyo and Taipei held a rare videoconference meeting to discuss ways to increase ties, including possible maritime rescue cooperation.
Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso recently said in a speech to supporters that Japan and the US should plan together to defend the island in the event of hostilities.
In its annual regional security review, Japan said there was a “greater sense of crisis than ever” over Taiwan, after China stepped up maneuvers on its nearby ships and planes.