-China’s Security Concerns Rise: Japan Public Worried About China

A recent Japanese goverment survey indicates that China’s military expansion is now⁤ the‌ primary security concern for the Japanese public, surpassing ⁣worries about North Korean nuclear capabilities. The survey, released friday, revealed ‌that ‌68% of 1,534 respondents⁤ cited advancements in​ Chinese military technology and related activities ⁣near Japan and in the South China Sea as their​ top security concern. This marks an increase from 61%⁢ in a similar poll conducted three years prior.

The survey was ‌conducted over five ⁤weeks, beginning on November 6th.⁢ This timing followed a statement by‌ Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi which triggered a notable diplomatic dispute with Beijing. Takaichi indicated that Japan might deploy ‌its ‌military forces if a Chinese attack on ⁣Taiwan were considered a direct threat to Japan’s survival.