Japan’s Prime Minister Faces Criticism from China

Japan’s Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, has come under fire from China for her straightforward assertion that Taiwan holds significant importance for Japan.

Her statement rings true. If China were to take control of Taiwan, it could create a severe threat, particularly as it could disrupt vital shipping lanes that are crucial for Japan’s energy and trade.

Moreover, if the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) manages operations from Taiwan, they would gain unrestricted access to the Pacific. They could potentially encircle Japan by moving north or isolate both the Philippines and Australia by heading south.

There’s also a political dimension at play. If Taiwan falls under Chinese Communist rule, it would highlight the inability of U.S. military and economic power—including nuclear capabilities—to keep 23 million Taiwanese citizens independent.

Such a scenario would tarnish the United States’ standing in the Asia-Pacific, likely leading countries to align more closely with Beijing for better deals. I mean, it could happen overnight.

Japan might resist this shift, but its alliance with the U.S. would definitely be impacted, leaving Tokyo struggling against growing Chinese influence.

South Korea’s Vulnerability

South Korea faces an even tougher situation than Japan, primarily due to its geography. Lacking direct access to the Pacific, it’s effectively bordered by China and North Korea.

China has the potential to limit trade and energy routes for South Korea, and the country heavily relies on semiconductors from Taiwan for its industries.

Additionally, military threats from China or North Korea could be overwhelming.

It’s critical for South Korea to support Taiwan’s autonomy from Beijing. There are various ways Seoul can contribute to a U.S.-led initiative to protect Taiwan.

South Korea could take on a greater role in defending its peninsula and surrounding areas, alleviating some pressure from U.S. and Japanese forces.

Moreover, South Korea could assist broader U.S. strategies to defend Taiwan by allowing access to military bases, providing logistical and intelligence support, and enabling air and naval cooperation with Japan.

In terms of economic actions, Seoul could join sanctions against China, but it would need backing from the U.S., Japan, and other free nations to withstand potential Chinese retaliation.

Support from the South Korean government for the U.S.-led defense of Taiwan is essential.

Many South Korean officials, along with the military, recognize Taiwan’s significance. The public sentiment is generally not in favor of China, leaning instead toward supporting U.S. military efforts related to Taiwan.

The Dilemma: South Korea’s Support

However, there’s a complication. The current administration led by South Korea’s leftist President Lee Jae Myung, who took office in June 2025, appears more aligned with China, despite claiming to be pro-U.S.

The likelihood of this administration offering support for Taiwan is uncertain. A speech from Lee in March 2024 raised doubts, as he questioned the importance of Taiwan’s issues for South Korea.

Lee’s party has even pushed for legislation to prevent South Korean military involvement in a Taiwan crisis.

But perhaps, since taking power, they’ve shifted their stance? It’s hard to tell.

The Prime Minister, Kim Min-seok, has a history as a leftist activist and has made critical comments about the U.S.-ROK alliance, labeling it as an imperialistic trap.

Such statements don’t suggest a strong inclination to assist the U.S. in defending Taiwan.

Then there’s Jung Chung-rae, another key figure in the Democratic Party, who has a history of anti-U.S. actions and sentiments. These views don’t seem to be fringe opinions within the administration.

The Democratic Party’s articles of impeachment against the previous president show a pattern of blaming the U.S. for not balancing relations with North Korea and China properly.

It seems unlikely that the current government would risk Beijing’s wrath by supporting Taiwan.

The Importance of South Korean Cooperation

If South Korea doesn’t cooperate, it complicates U.S. efforts to defend Taiwan. But the stakes go beyond just Taiwan; it also jeopardizes the ROK-U.S. alliance. A neutral stance during a Taiwanese crisis could lead to serious consequences for the alliance.

This would please China, and I suspect that Lee and his allies might only feign concern, shifting the blame onto the U.S.

It’s likely the Trump administration is aware of Lee’s leftist tendencies but remains silent, perhaps hoping that the political situation will resolve itself.

This is a risky assumption.

The U.S. needs to tackle this threat proactively and appoint a qualified ambassador who understands the landscape and can engage with the significant pro-democracy, pro-freedom sentiment in South Korea. This way, a small group of radical elements doesn’t steer the country away from the values the majority of its citizens uphold.