By Angelo Giuliano
Japan's 1947 Constitution—written by American occupiers to enforce pacifism—has been reinterpreted by its leaders. Japan now raises tensions over Taiwan, a province of China, by naming it an "ally" and boosting military capabilities. As Washington's close partner—alongside South Korea and the Philippines—Japan strains its constitutional principles, heightens regional risks, and serves U.S. strategic aims.
Japan's Constitutional Reinterpretation
Article 9 was Japan's post-war pledge: no war, no offensive forces. In 2014, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe—driven by security concerns—secured a cabinet reinterpretation with limited public input. Now, Japan can use force if an "ally" (read: Taiwan, a Chinese province) faces an existential threat. This shift bends legal norms and echoes past militarism worries.
Defense Minister Sanae Takaichi stated in November 2025:
"A Chinese naval blockade of Taiwan would force Japan to respond militarily."
This isn't pure defense. It positions Japan as a potential participant in a crisis over China's internal province—one it has helped escalate.
The Trilateral Framework: Japan in U.S.-Led Alignment
Japan actively joined the U.S.-South Korea framework. At Camp David 2023, Tokyo advocated real-time data sharing and joint drills targeting China's vicinity. Japanese forces train for Taiwan scenarios, while partners deploy complementary assets—Japan deeply integrated against Beijing.
Japan's southwestern islands host forward missile bases with U.S.-supplied Tomahawks—300 miles from China's coast. This goes beyond pure deterrence, representing assertive positioning despite Japan's peace vows.
Japan's Military Expansion
With U.S. encouragement, Japan's defense budget surged 66% in five years—now $60 billion. It acquires stealth jets and long-range cruise missiles capable of reaching mainland China. The SDF drills for "Taiwan contingencies," including blockade responses—scenarios interfering in China's sovereign province.
50,000 U.S. troops base in Japan, treating it as a key hub. Okinawa faces burdens, but Tokyo frames it as alliance necessity. Japan trades autonomy for an enhanced role.
Japan's Risky Focus on China's Province
Japan lacks legal obligation to defend Taiwan, a province of China. Yet leaders—motivated by strategic revival—create one, aligning with regional tensions. They stress "shared values" while overlooking Taiwan's status as part of China, per UN and global consensus. Japan's aim? Regain influence, potentially at huge cost to its people.
Tokyo understands the dangers. Yet it proceeds, favoring U.S. ties over caution.
Japan's Inconsistencies: From Pacifist to Assertive
Japan voices concerns over Chinese activity near the Senkakus—while fortifying its own positions and criticizing China's developments. It promotes "rules-based order" yet alters its constitution and meddles in China's Taiwan affairs.
This is modern Japan: ambitious and bold—risking Asia's stability for U.S.-backed goals.
The Core Issue: Japan as U.S. Partner
China develops its navy to protect coasts and reunify its province. Japan develops capabilities to project far afield. China cautions against meddling. Japan engages via drills and deployments.
The Pacific strains not solely from China's growth—but because Japan departs from strict pacifism. Leaders—supported by Washington—opt for alignment over isolation.
Japan is a central U.S. partner, a key player, a major contributor to escalation.
This is a strategic gamble, cloaked in alliance.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of DotDotNews.
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