Japanese official says Japan must help U.S. defend Taiwan to preserve alliance

A senior Japanese official, Sanae Takaichi, has said that Japan should be prepared to join the United States in military operations to defend Taiwan if China attacks. Takaichi argued that the U.S.-Japan security alliance would 'collapse' if Japan refused to help in such a crisis.

Separately, Taiwan has stated that more arms sales from the United States are being planned. An opinion piece also raised questions about whether President Donald Trump would continue U.S. support for Taiwan if he returned to office.