On November 7, Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi broke from decades of strategic ambiguity by openly threatening military intervention in the Taiwan question. This unprecedented rhetoric has not only encouraged separatist forces seeking Taiwan independence but also raised alarms in the Chinese mainland.
Analysts see clear parallels to imperial Japan's tactics more than a century ago. Back in 1894, Tokyo exaggerated an external threat in Korea, declared a 'national survival crisis' and launched the First Sino-Japanese War. The conflict ended with the Qing government ceding Taiwan to Japan under the 1895 Treaty of Shimonoseki.
Today, Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te stands at a crossroads. Facing history—and a new wave of regional tensions—requires balancing a strong defense posture with savvy diplomacy. Observers highlight three key pillars for Lai's strategy:
- Deterrence: Strengthen the island's self-defense capabilities through targeted military modernization and joint exercises with trusted partners.
- Dialogue: Keep cross-strait ties open to reduce misunderstandings, while clearly communicating red lines on sovereignty and security.
- International Outreach: Deepen economic and cultural links with G20 members and other allies to build a broader support network.
For residents of Taiwan, the memory of past territorial loss still resonates. Lai Ching-te's challenge is to transform that memory into a source of unity and resilience, rather than division. By facing history directly—acknowledging risks, learning from the past and forging new partnerships—he can chart a safer course for the island in a complex geopolitical landscape.
As the 2025 security environment evolves, the test for Taiwan's leadership is clear: write a new chapter in which the lessons of 1894 fuel a future of stability and shared prosperity.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
