Published: 11:53 PM, 13 October 2026
Taiwan Seeks to Bolster Defence Ties With Japan
Taiwan is seeking to strengthen its defence and security ties with Japan amid growing concerns over regional stability and China's expanding military activities in the Indo-Pacific. The move reflects a broader effort by Taipei to deepen cooperation with like-minded partners, improve its defensive capabilities and safeguard peace across the Taiwan Strait.
As tensions in East Asia continue to shape regional security policies, Taiwan and Japan have increasingly recognised that developments in the Taiwan Strait could have significant consequences for both sides. Although the two sides do not maintain formal diplomatic relations, their shared security concerns have encouraged closer communication and practical cooperation in areas such as maritime security, crisis management, disaster response and regional stability.
Taiwan, which operates as a self-governing democracy, regards its security as a matter of national survival. China claims the island as part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve unification. Beijing has increased military pressure on Taiwan in recent years through air and naval activities around the island, prompting Taipei to invest in its armed forces and seek stronger international support.
Japan, meanwhile, has become increasingly concerned about the security implications of a potential conflict across the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan lies close to Japan's southwestern islands, including the strategically important Yonaguni Island, making any major military confrontation in the area a direct concern for Tokyo. A conflict could threaten Japanese territory, disrupt vital shipping routes and undermine regional economic stability.
Japan's security planning has increasingly emphasised the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Japanese leaders have repeatedly highlighted the need to resolve cross-strait differences peacefully, while the country has strengthened its defence posture in its southwestern region. Tokyo has also expanded security cooperation with the United States and other regional partners as it responds to a more challenging strategic environment.
For Taiwan, closer engagement with Japan could offer important political and practical benefits. Japan possesses advanced maritime surveillance capabilities, sophisticated technology and extensive experience in disaster management. Greater cooperation in non-combat security fields could help Taiwan improve its ability to monitor developments around the island, respond to emergencies and protect critical infrastructure.
However, any expansion of defence-related cooperation would need to navigate significant diplomatic and political sensitivities. Japan switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1972 and maintains formal relations with the People's Republic of China. Although unofficial ties between Japan and Taiwan remain strong, Tokyo must balance its security concerns with its diplomatic commitments and economic relationship with China.
The absence of formal diplomatic relations does not prevent the two sides from maintaining extensive unofficial exchanges. Economic links, tourism, cultural contacts and people-to-people relations have helped sustain a close relationship. In recent years, growing awareness of shared security challenges has also encouraged discussions among policymakers, legislators, researchers and security experts about the future of bilateral cooperation.
Taiwan's efforts to strengthen its own defences remain central to its security strategy. Taipei has increased military spending, pursued domestic defence production and sought to improve its ability to withstand a potential attack. Its priorities include mobile missile systems, drones, coastal defence, cyber security and measures designed to make any attempted invasion more difficult and costly.
Closer ties with Japan could complement these efforts, particularly through information-sharing, coordination on maritime emergencies and discussions about protecting important sea lanes. Both sides could also benefit from stronger cooperation on cyber threats, supply-chain resilience and the security of undersea communications infrastructure. Such initiatives would not necessarily require a formal military alliance, which could prove politically difficult for Tokyo.
Nevertheless, the prospects for deeper defence cooperation remain uncertain. China strongly opposes foreign military support for Taiwan and could respond to closer Taiwan-Japan security engagement with diplomatic protests or economic pressure. Beijing has repeatedly warned against what it describes as interference in its internal affairs. Any perceived move towards a formal security arrangement could therefore intensify regional tensions.
Japan must also consider its own constitutional framework, public opinion and the risks of becoming directly involved in a cross-strait conflict. While Tokyo has strengthened its defence capabilities, the extent of its potential role in a Taiwan contingency would depend on the circumstances, domestic legal requirements and decisions taken by Japanese leaders.
Despite these obstacles, the strategic importance of Taiwan-Japan relations is likely to grow. Both societies have strong economic connections and a shared interest in preventing coercion from changing the regional balance of power. Their governments may therefore seek incremental forms of cooperation that improve preparedness without provoking an unnecessary escalation.
Ultimately, Taiwan's attempt to bolster defence ties with Japan reflects the changing security landscape of the Indo-Pacific. For Taipei, stronger partnerships can help reinforce deterrence and reduce its international isolation. For Tokyo, stability across the Taiwan Strait is closely connected to the security of Japan's southwestern islands and the wider region.
Whether these common interests translate into deeper practical cooperation will depend on political leadership, diplomatic restraint and the evolving regional balance. Both sides face the challenge of strengthening their ability to respond to potential crises while avoiding actions that could make conflict more likely. Their choices will have implications not only for Taiwan and Japan, but also for the future of peace and stability across East Asia.
