Japan PM says survival threat triggering joint defense unlikely beyond US

Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae stated on Tuesday that there is only a very limited possibility of a situation involving countries other than the United States meeting the conditions for a "survival-threatening situation" that would allow the exercise of the right to collective self-defense.

Speaking at a budget committee session in the House of Councillors, Takaichi was asked whether Taiwan could be such a case. She responded that potential cases are not predetermined and would be judged individually based on specific circumstances.

The question followed her earlier parliamentary remarks suggesting a contingency involving Taiwan could constitute a survival-threatening situation. Opposition Constitutional Democratic Party member Hirota Hajime urged her to retract that statement.

Takaichi reiterated that whether a situation qualifies would be comprehensively judged based on actual circumstances if it occurs, a position she said the government has consistently held.