The Diplomat

In its latest defense white paper, Tokyo has for the first time sounded a direct warning against the growing risk of a grave situation akin to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine occurring in East Asia.

“Japan is facing the most severe and complex security environment since the end of World War II. It cannot be ruled out that a serious situation similar to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine may occur in the Indo-Pacific region in future, particularly in East Asia,” the annual defense white paper, titled “Defense of Japan 2024” published on July 12, states. 

Without mentioning China by name, this part of the white paper is clearly a reference to a possible Taiwan contingency.

Click here to read more