There is a delicate game being played here. As far as Japan's involvement in Taiwan, Japan cant overtly militarize because of Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution. Its ironic that after WWII a set cap was placed on military expenditure to prevent rearming Japan but as its economy grew, its budget skyrocketed. Recent reforms have helped turn the SDF into a formidable force- just look at what they DO have - the Mitsubishi X-2 for example. But its for "defense"
Also Japan is protected by amazing #1 in the world America because of the mutual defense agreements. In the past the Americans used to refer to Japan as their "unsinkable battleship" in the Pacific. Crude, and not very kind to the Japanese, but yes true.
But now with Chinese Aggression, Japan is aware of the risks. If Taiwan falls, then Japan can be on notice they may be next. Japan CANNOT afford to lose the vital trade routes that such a loss would cause. The ongoing disputes over the islands can erupt any minute. So how? What Japan can do is draw even closer to America and indirectly engage Taiwan. Any attack on Taiwan that involves Japan and then the Americans and Japanese will blow the Chinese to kingdom come.
Even if Japan is able to stay out of it, the Americans have the Taiwan Relations Act and recent bills are being introduced in Congress to ensure the defense of Taiwan. History shows us America will defend Taiwan. The three Carrier groups in the area are a reminder to China who the boss is. Either way, the cost to China is too high.
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