Japan presses Washington for stronger Taiwan commitment, says analyst

KUALA LUMPUR: Japan’s tougher rhetoric on Taiwan is aimed mainly at encouraging the United States (U.S.) to take a more active role in managing cross-strait tensions, according to researcher Róbert Vancel.

Vancel, a research fellow at the Central European Institute of Asian Studies said Tokyo is signalling its readiness to move beyond a passive stance and assume greater responsibility for regional security.

“Given the transactional nature of the relationship between the Trump administration and Taiwan, Sanae Takaichi is also trying to shape U.S. perceptions of Taiwan’s importance and encourage a stronger commitment,” he told Astro AWANI.

“It also sends a message to Washington that they are willing to become a more assertive partner, a more assertive ally and that they will take their share of responsibility for shaping the security environment in the region,” he added.

Vancel said this approach reflects growing concern in Japan about the reliability of U.S. support, particularly as instability in the Taiwan Strait would pose direct risks to Japan’s security and economy.

Takaichi’s remarks on Taiwan have previously triggered a diplomatic backlash from Beijing, adding to already strained China–Japan relations.

China has repeatedly demanded that she retract comments suggesting a Taiwan conflict could be an “existential” threat to Japan that might justify a military response, arguing that such views breach the one-China principle.

Against this backdrop, Washington has continued to raise the stakes on Taiwan’s defence under U.S. President Donald Trump.

On December 18, the U.S. approved a record USD11.1 billion arms package for Taiwan, drawing strong condemnation from Beijing.

Japan to be more assertive under Takaichi

Vancel said Japan is likely to adopt a more autonomous tone in foreign and security policy under the right-wing nationalist leader Takaichi, while remaining firmly anchored within the U.S.-led alliance.

He added that this shift should be welcomed in Washington, as it aligns with long-standing U.S. expectations that allies take on greater responsibility for regional defence.

Previously, Trump has consistently urged allies to increase their defence contributions.

U.S. officials have also signalled a transfer of more conventional security responsibilities to European partners, including reports of a 2027 timeline for a more Europe-led NATO posture.

In Asia, negotiations over U.S. troop costs in Japan and South Korea have become part of broader talks, with Trump publicly stating that allies such as South Korea should pay more for U.S. military protection.