On July 10, 2026, Taiwan media outlet China Times published a commentary article stating that it is realistically difficult for Japan to directly dispatch troops to support defense in the event of a Taiwan contingency.

The article pointed out that the slogan "Taiwan contingency, Japan contingency" is repeatedly used in Taiwan's political circles, creating the illusion among people that Japan would dispatch troops to support Taiwan's defense in the event of an emergency. However, it stated, "This is merely political rhetoric and far removed from Japan's reality."

It then explained that Japan is currently still constrained by Article 9 of its "Peace Constitution," and the Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) can only be dispatched after an attack. Although the Japanese government has expanded the interpretative scope of collective self-defense, this does not mean that Japan can independently dispatch troops in a war in the Taiwan Strait, the article argued.

It also pointed out that while a constitutional amendment is necessary to change Japan's military role, the hurdle for amending the constitution in Japan is extremely high. Since it remains difficult to overcome this hurdle in both the House of Councillors and a national referendum, expecting Japan to directly dispatch troops to support Taiwan in the event of a Taiwan contingency is completely unrealistic at this point.

The article stated that if a war were to break out in the Taiwan Strait and Taiwanese military aircraft were to land at a Japanese base seeking assistance, Japan allowing them to take off again after refueling would signify intervention in the cross-strait war, making retaliation from the Chinese People's Liberation Army highly likely.

Furthermore, it pointed out that Japan's emphasis on Taiwan primarily stems from geopolitical security, maritime traffic routes, semiconductor supply chains, and the framework of the Japan-U.S. alliance, and does not constitute unconditional protection of Taiwan. Japan does not desire the collapse of the balance in the Taiwan Strait, and its stance is far from "the will to dispatch troops," the article indicated.

The article asserted that Taiwanese society must calmly assess Japan-Taiwan relations, maintain friendly ties, and deepen exchanges, but should not mistake political slogans for military guarantees, nor can international friendship replace self-defense. (Edited and translated by Kawajiri)