What does Japan’s role in a US-Philippine military drill mean for Taiwan?
Tokyo’s 1,400 combat troops mark most extensive participation yet in annual joint exercise and signal ‘priorities’ to Beijing, analysts say
The troop deployment marks Japan’s first active participation in the Balikatan exercise, which runs from April 20 to May 8. Tokyo’s involvement this year makes it the third-largest troop contributor after the US and the Philippines.
The Japanese forces are expected to take part in exercises across air, land, sea and cyberspace, including maritime strike operations, counter-landing live-fire exercises, and integrated air and missile defence – capabilities often cited by analysts as critical in the event of a conflict across the Taiwan Strait.
Beijing sees Taiwan as part of China to be reunited by force if necessary.
Most countries, including the US and Japan, do not recognise Taiwan as an independent state, but Washington is opposed to any attempt to take the self-ruled island by force and is committed to supplying it with weapons.
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