(Jan 27): Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said that while a hypothetical US-China clash wouldn’t immediately mean Japan will take military action, Japan will respond within legal limits should the US be attacked during a joint operation. The comments are in line with previous remarks made by the prime minister but provide some detail on specific scenarios of a Taiwan contingency. Takaichi is now headed toward a snap election that she called in a bid to consolidate power in the more powerful lower house of parliament. So far, Japan’s response to China’s fury has been subdued. The extent of Japan’s response has been to correct inaccuracies in China’s claims.

Source: The Edge Markets January 27, 2026 07:37 UTC