Japanese and US armed forces have drawn up a draft plan for a joint operation for a doable Taiwan emergency, Japan’s Kyodo information company stated on Thursday, citing unnamed Japanese authorities sources, amid elevated tensions between the island and China.
China claims democratically ruled Taiwan as its personal “sacred” territory and up to now two years has stepped up navy and diplomatic strain to claim its sovereignty claims, fuelling anger in Taipei and deep concern in Washington.
Taiwan’s authorities says it desires peace, however it is going to defend itself if wanted.
Under the plan, the US Marine Corps will arrange momentary bases on the Nansei island chain stretching from Kyushu, one of many 4 essential islands of Japan, to Taiwan, on the preliminary stage of a Taiwan emergency, and also will deploy troops, Kyodo stated.
Japanese armed forces will present logistical help in such areas as ammunition and gas provides, it stated.
Japan, former colonial ruler of Taiwan, and the United States would seemingly attain an settlement to begin formulating an official plan at a “2+2” assembly of overseas and defence ministers early subsequent yr, the information company stated.
Japanese defence ministry officers weren’t instantly obtainable for remark.
In October, Japan’s authorities signalled a extra assertive place on China’s aggressive posture in the direction of self-ruled Taiwan, suggesting it might think about choices and put together for “various scenarios” whereas reaffirming shut US ties.
Earlier this month, former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had stated that Japan and the United States couldn’t stand by if China attacked Taiwan.
US officers, talking on the situation of anonymity, have lengthy stated that given the tens of 1000’s of troops the US has in Japan and its proximity to Taiwan, Japan would seemingly must play an necessary function in any Taiwan emergency.
According to a Pentagon spokesman, because the US President Joe Biden and his Japanese counterpart had stated in a March joint assertion, each international locations shared a dedication to peace and stability throughout the Taiwan Strait.
“We are committed to enhancing resiliency and interoperability between US and Japanese forces and deepening operational cooperation during peacetime and various regional contingencies,” the Pentagon added.
Japan is host to main US navy bases, together with on the southern island of Okinawa. It’s a brief flight away from Taiwan, which might be essential for any US help throughout a Chinese assault.
China views democratic Taiwan as a wayward province, awaiting the day the island could be introduced underneath its management — peacefully or militarily — with no proper to state-to-state relations.
The United States, like most international locations on the earth, recognises China over Taiwan, in step with Beijing’s “one China” coverage. But Washington is the island’s largest arms provider and ally and is obliged by regulation to assist it defend itself.
