Tokyo will strengthen its support for Taiwan

Significance

Japan has a stake in Taiwan’s continued autonomy as a constraint on China’s ability to dominate the region. Japanese politicians have become bolder in indicating support for Taiwan.

Impacts

• Control of Taiwan would put China in a position to threaten Japanese shipping and territory, giving Tokyo an interest in Taiwan’s autonomy.
• Japan will press the Biden administration to take a firm stance on Taiwan, while preparing for the possibility that it might not.
• Japanese support will be crucial if Taiwan is to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.