Japan Sees China-Taiwan Friction as Threat to Its Security
- Minister Kishi says no longer bound by defense spending limit
- China’s military increasingly outweighs Taiwan’s defenses
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Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi said the security of Taiwan was directly linked with that of Japan, as tensions around the island build up and its defenses are increasingly overshadowed by China’s military might.
The comments from a cabinet minister known for his close ties to Taipei came a week after China sent 28 warplanes near Taiwan, in the latest ratcheting up of military pressure around the democratically ruled island, 110 km (68 miles) from Japan at its nearest point. Beijing claims Taiwan as part of its territory.