TOKYO – Japanese and American troops have launched a draft plan for Taiwan’s emergency cooperation, Japanese media reported in Kyodo on Thursday (Dec 23), citing undisclosed Japanese government sources, amid growing tensions between the island. and China.
China says Taiwan is a democracy as its “holy place” and over the past two years has added military and diplomatic pressure to air its grievances, fueling Taipei’s anger and deep-seated concern in Washington.
The Taiwanese government says it wants peace, but will protect itself if needed.
Under the plan, the US Marine Corps will set up temporary bases on the Nansei archipelago from Kyushu, one of Japan’s four main islands, to Taiwan, at the beginning of the Taiwan emergency, and will send troops, Kyodo said. .
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The Japanese military will provide operational assistance in areas such as ammunition and fuel tanks, it said.
Japan, the former colonel of Taiwan, and the United States are likely to reach an agreement to formulate a formal “2 + 2” meeting of foreign ministers and defense ministers early next year, the news agency said.
In October, the Japanese government signed a strong position on China’s aggressive stance toward the ruling Taiwan, promising to consider options and prepare for “diverse situations” while securing closer ties with the US.
Earlier this month, former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Japan and the United States would not be able to resist China’s attack on Taiwan.