Trump's spat with Ukraine reignites security fears in Japan

Tokyo concerned that China could try to take Taiwan if U.S. pulls back

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force personnel in a joint exercise with U.S. Marines. Japan has been ramping up efforts to strengthen its defensive capabilities. (Japan's Ministry of Defense)

RIEKO MIKI

March 5, 2025 03:02 JST

TOKYO -- The unpredictability of American foreign policy under recently returned President Donald Trump is raising alarm in Japan, with the growing U.S. rift with Ukraine seen potentially emboldening destabilizing actions by China, Russia and North Korea in East Asia.

Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya declined to comment Tuesday when asked about Trump's decision to suspend military aid to Ukraine, citing the "fluid" situation.