The Japanese government denies a change in its official policy towards Taiwan following the US security report.

The spokesperson for the Japanese government, Minoru Kihara, stated that the observation regarding a significant change in Japan's policy towards Taiwan is incorrect. This was a reaction to the U.S. 2026 Threat Assessment Annual Report, which interpreted Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's comments as a change in Japan's position. Takaichi described a possible crisis in Taiwan as a "threat to Japan's survival," which was considered by U.S. intelligence services as a strategic shift.

Kihara emphasized that Japan's official position remains unchanged and that the assessment of a threat to existence is made based on each specific situation. This clarification came in the context of a scheduled meeting between Takaichi and U.S. President Donald Trump, amid tensions in the Middle East and bilateral relations with China. Historically, Japan has adopted an ambiguous position towards Taiwan, coordinating its security with the U.S. but avoiding public commitments to intervene in the event of a conflict.