As reported by the Kyodo news agency, Tokyo is considering the option of sending Self-Defense Forces to protect American ships and aircraft in the event of a direct conflict in the area.
Japan and the United States have agreed to cooperate in the event of an armed conflict between China and Taiwan. This was reported on Sunday by the Kyodo news agency, citing sources in the Japanese government.
According to him, the relevant issue was raised during a meeting held this week in Tokyo between the head of the Pentagon, Lloyd Austin, and Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi. At the same time, there was no detailed discussion of how the parties should react to such a conflict situation. At the same meeting, the Japanese minister pointed to the increased activity of Chinese aircraft in the Taiwan Strait.
As noted by Kyodo, Tokyo is considering the option of sending Self-Defense Forces to protect US ships and aircraft in the event of a direct conflict in the area of Taiwan. Japan believes that this region is close to it, and this state of affairs will directly affect its security. In a joint statement following a two-plus-two meeting between the Foreign and Defense ministers of Japan and the United States in Tokyo on March 16, the two sides called for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. In an interview with Japanese TV channel Nippon TV, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also expressed concern about China’s actions against Taiwan.
