Japanese public opinion is divided on whether Japan should exercise its right to collective self-defense if China attacks Taiwan, according to a survey commissioned by the Kyodo news agency, BTA reported.
According to the data, nearly half, or 48.8%, of those surveyed are in favor of military intervention, while 44.2% are against. At the same time, 60.4% support Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's intention to increase Japan's defense budget.
The survey results come at a time of heightened diplomatic tension between Tokyo and Beijing over Takaichi's remarks on Taiwan. On November 7, she said that a Chinese attack on the island would pose an "existential threat" for Japan, which could provoke a military response from Tokyo, Reuters recalls.
China does not rule out the use of force as a means to impose its will on the democratically governed island of Taiwan, which is only 110 km from Japanese territory. The Taiwanese government rejects Beijing's claims to sovereignty.
Takaichi's words caused strong discontent in China, which warned its citizens not to travel to Japan.
In a keynote speech after his election last month, the Japanese prime minister promised to raise defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product this fiscal year (which ends in March). This goal was originally planned to be achieved in fiscal 2027.
Takaichi's cabinet's approval rating is 69.9%, up 5.5% from last month, Kyodo added.