Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sparked a diplomatic spat with China over remarks last week that a hypothetical Chinese attack on democratically-ruled Taiwan could trigger a military response from Tokyo. Until now, Japanese leaders have avoided mentioning Taiwan when publicly discussing such scenarios, maintaining a strategic ambiguity also favored by Tokyo's ally, the U.S.
Breakdown
- Prime Minister Takahashi said a Chinese attack on Taiwan could trigger a Japanese military response.
- Takahashi referenced Japan's 2015 law allowing military action in 'survival-threatening situations.' 15s
- She stated that an attack on U.S. warships near Taiwan could require Japan to intervene militarily. 42s
- China lodged a formal protest, calling Takahashi's remarks interference in its internal affairs. 1m 57s
- Japan responded by expressing respect for Beijing's position and called for peaceful dialogue. 2m 11s