Expert says First Japan-Taiwan Joint Maritime Exercise in 52 Years Holds Significant Symbolism

July 31, 2024 TruthUSA

Following a 52-year gap, the Japanese and Taiwanese coast guards recently conducted joint maritime exercises, marking their first collaboration since Japan and Taiwan cut formal diplomatic ties in 1972. An expert sees this as a significant symbolic gesture as Japan increases its involvement in NATO’s Indo-Pacific defense strategies to counter threats from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

On July 18, the maritime forces of Japan and Taiwan gathered off Japan’s eastern coast to carry out search and rescue drills. These exercises aimed to strengthen unity and enhance practical cooperation between the Japanese and Taiwanese coast guards.

In an exclusive interview with The Epoch Times, Su Tzu-Yun, director of Taiwan’s Institute for National Defense and Security Research, stated that the exercises hold profound meanings.

“This maritime safety drill, the first since our diplomatic relations with Japan were severed, carries immense symbolic importance,” Mr. Su mentioned. He added that in the face of escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait, such exercises are expected to become more frequent, solidifying the strategic partnership in the region.

Since the inauguration of Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te in May, Beijing has escalated its aggressive actions toward Taiwan, claiming it as its territory. This includes increased military exercises around Taiwan using aircraft and warships, frequently breaching the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entering Taiwanese airspace, leading to heightened tensions in the area.

In response to Beijing’s provocations, Lai has stressed the need to strengthen Taiwan’s defense infrastructure and enhance ties with international allies.

The Taiwanese coast guard takes part in a helicopter hoist operation exercise in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, on March 30, 2013. (Ashley Pon/Getty Images)

Su expressed optimism about Japan–Taiwan maritime cooperation.

“While it is the Japan coast guard, from Taiwan’s viewpoint, the coast guard serves as a highly adaptable agency primarily engaged in maritime safety law enforcement and rescue operations,” Su said.

Standing Firm Against Beijing’s Intimidation

Yoshimasa Hayashi, Japan’s chief cabinet secretary, said during a press conference on July 19 that there is a deep bond between Japan and Taiwan. He spoke of their shared fundamental values, economic interdependence, and robust people-to-people exchanges, describing Taiwan as “a crucial partner and a close friend of Japan.”

Hayashi disclosed that, in a significant move, civilian contact organizations from both nations have signed a memorandum of understanding focusing on cooperation in maritime search and rescue, combating smuggling, and preventing illegal immigration.

However, he denied that the drill targeted any third countries, including China, and mentioned that Japan’s engagement with Taiwan will continue on a civilian basis, aiming to deepen mutual cooperation and exchanges.

Su noted that Japan was previously cautious in its approach toward Beijing and hesitant to engage robustly with Taiwan. However, recent developments suggest a “strategic reevaluation,” acknowledging the critical importance of the Taiwan Strait in regional security dynamics.

“Japan’s approach, from changing its course to establishing policies and then taking actual steps, is a good start. It helps promote peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and sends a clear message to Beijing,” Su said.

During a regular press conference on July 19, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian expressed “strong dissatisfaction” and “firm opposition” to the first joint maritime exercise between Japan and Taiwan since their diplomatic break.

Anticipating further reactions, Su mentioned, “Beijing is likely to lodge a formal diplomatic protest against Japan and might escalate its presence in the region by deploying more coast guards and potentially military vessels to the contested waters.”

However, he highlighted a growing regional consensus, with potential support from Tokyo, Washington, Taipei, and Seoul, reinforcing a collective stance against Beijing’s intimidation tactics.

“This public Japan–Taiwan joint exercise is just one part of a broader strategic trend,” Su said.

Japan Emerges as the West’s Military Hub in Asia

The air forces of Germany, France, and Spain completed the Nippon Sky joint exercises in Japan on July 25.

This exercise is part of the broader Pacific Sky 24, a large-scale multinational air force training exercise involving the United States, Germany, and France, aimed at increasing operational readiness, strengthening alliances, deterring threats, and promoting navigation freedom by uniting Indo-Pacific and European nations. The deployment includes approximately 1,800 Air Force personnel, matching the scale of a Chinese air brigade.

According to Mr. Su, these extensive and high-profile military engagements demonstrate the strategic urgency felt by these nations in addressing potential threats in the Indo-Pacific region.

“NATO countries have recognized that they can no longer solely focus on Europe because the shipping routes from Northeast Asia to Europe account for 26 percent of the world’s total, representing a crucial part of Europe’s supply chain. Should there be an incident in the Taiwan Strait, it would not only be a concern for Japan but for Europe as well,” he said.

“Secondly, Japan has officially become an observer of NATO, with discussions about NATO establishing an office in Tokyo.”

Japan became an observer of NATO in July 2023 during the NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania. This move aimed to strengthen cooperation on security challenges and enhance Japan’s partnership with NATO. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s participation marked a significant step in aligning Japan’s security strategy with NATO, emphasizing the interconnectedness of Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific security.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg (L) shakes hands with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo on Jan. 31, 2023. (Takashi Aoyama/Getty Images)

Discussions about establishing a NATO liaison office in Japan began in early 2023 with the proposed office aiming to enhance cooperation and consultations between NATO and key Indo-Pacific partners, including Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, in response to security concerns related to China and Russia.

However, the plan has faced resistance, particularly from French President Emmanuel Macron, due to concerns about escalating tensions with China. Despite this, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has indicated that the idea is still under consideration and could strengthen NATO’s presence in the Indo-Pacific region.

Recently, two House lawmakers, Reps. John Moolenaar (R-Mich.) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), have renewed the call for NATO to establish liaison offices in the Indo-Pacific, given the new challenges posed by the CCP.

Su mentioned that NATO member states, including the UK, Canada, Turkey, the Netherlands, and France, along with the United States, have carried out naval transits through the Taiwan Strait. He believes this collective naval presence sends a clear deterrent message to Beijing against altering the regional status quo by force.

Xin Ning contributed to this report.

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