Japan Warns Russia's War Could Encourage Xi Jinping To Act Against Taiwan

Japan, in its annual defense white paper on Friday, warned of escalating security threats emerging from the Russia-Ukraine war, Chinese intimidation of Taiwan, and other vulnerable technology supply chains.

What Happened: The defense ministry report listed out the Japanese government's security concerns as it prepares the defense budget request due next month.

Japan’s ruling party aims to double the military funding over the next decade or so, according to Reuters.

"The political, economic and military rivalries between nations is clear, and the challenge posed to the international order is a global issue," the white paper said.

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The report described the Kremlin’s attack on Kyiv as a "serious violation of international law." It also raised concern that Vladimir Putin’s use of force to resolve a dispute with Ukraine also threatens the security of its neighbor Taiwan, on which China claims sovereignty.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's government approved the white paper that identifies China, Russia, and North Korea as its main security concerns.

Last month, Japan’s defense minister, Nobuo Kishi, described the country as being on a front line surrounded by nuclear-armed actors.

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