After a 52-year hiatus, the Japanese and Taiwanese coast guards recently held joint maritime exercises, their first collaboration since Japan and Taiwan severed formal diplomatic ties in 1972. An expert believes this development has significant symbolic value as Japan intensifies its engagement in NATO’s Indo-Pacific defense strategies to counter threats from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
In an exclusive interview with The Epoch Times, Su Tzu-Yun, director of Taiwan’s Institute for National Defense and Security Research, said the exercises have profound implications.
“This maritime safety drill, the first since our diplomatic relations with Japan were severed, holds immense symbolic significance,” Mr. Su said, adding that as tensions continue to rise in the Taiwan Strait, such exercises are expected to become a regular occurrence, reinforcing the strategic partnership in the region.
Since the inauguration of Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te in May, Beijing has escalated its aggressive stance toward Taiwan, which it claims as its territory. This includes ramping up military exercises around Taiwan with both aircraft and warships, frequently crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait, and entering Taiwanese airspace. These actions have significantly heightened tensions in the region.
In a direct response to Beijing’s provocations, Lai has underscored the importance of bolstering Taiwan’s defense infrastructure and strengthening ties with international allies.
Su expressed optimism about Japan–Taiwan maritime cooperation.
Standing Firm Against Beijing’s Intimidation
Yoshimasa Hayashi, Japan’s chief cabinet secretary, said during a press conference on July 19 that there is a deep bond between Japan and Taiwan. He spoke of their shared fundamental values, economic interdependence, and robust people-to-people exchanges, describing Taiwan as “a crucial partner and a close friend of Japan.”
Hayashi disclosed that, in a significant move, civilian contact organizations from both nations have signed a memorandum of understanding that focuses on cooperation in maritime search and rescue, combating smuggling, and preventing illegal immigration.
However, he denied the drill targeted any third countries, including China, maintaining that Japan’s interaction with Taiwan will continue on a civilian basis, aiming to deepen mutual cooperation and exchanges.
Su said Japan was previously cautious in its approach toward Beijing and hesitant to engage robustly with Taiwan. However, recent developments suggest a “strategic reevaluation,” acknowledging the critical importance of the Taiwan Strait in regional security dynamics.
“Japan’s approach, from changing its course to establishing policies and then taking actual steps, is a good start. It helps promote peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and sends a clear message to Beijing,” Su said.
On July 19, during a regular press conference, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian expressed “strong dissatisfaction” and “firm opposition” to the first joint maritime exercise between Japan and Taiwan since their diplomatic break.
Speculating on further reactions, Su said, “Beijing is likely to lodge a formal diplomatic protest against Japan and might escalate its presence in the region by deploying more coast guards and potentially military vessels to the contested waters.”
However, he said there is a growing regional consensus, with potential support from Tokyo, Washington, Taipei, and Seoul, reinforcing a collective stance against Beijing’s intimidation tactics.
Japan Emerges as the West’s Military Hub in Asia
The air forces of Germany, France, and Spain completed the Nippon Sky joint exercises in Japan on July 25.
This exercise forms part of the broader Pacific Sky 24, a large-scale multinational air force training exercise involving the United States, Germany, and France. It aims to boost operational readiness, strengthen alliances, deter threats, and promote navigation freedom, uniting Indo-Pacific and European nations. The deployment includes approximately 1,800 Air Force personnel, matching the scale of a Chinese air brigade.
According to Mr. Su, these extensive and high-profile military engagements show the strategic urgency these nations feel in addressing potential threats in the Indo-Pacific region.
“NATO countries have recognized that they can no longer solely focus on Europe because the shipping routes from Northeast Asia to Europe account for 26 percent of the world’s total, representing a crucial part of Europe’s supply chain. Should there be an incident in the Taiwan Strait, it would not only be a concern for Japan but for Europe as well,” he said.
“Secondly, Japan has officially become an observer of NATO, with discussions of NATO establishing an office in Tokyo.”
However, the plan has faced resistance, particularly from French President Emmanuel Macron, due to concerns about escalating tensions with China. Despite this, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has indicated that the idea is still under consideration and could strengthen NATO’s presence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Su said that NATO member states, including the UK, Canada, Turkey, the Netherlands, and France, alongside the United States, have conducted naval transits through the Taiwan Strait. He believes this collective naval presence sends a clear deterrent message to Beijing against altering the regional status quo by force.
Xin Ning contributed to this report.