Can Japan Protect Taiwan from Its Bully Neighbor?

Japan’s Prime Minister's comments on Taiwan have sparked a diplomatic clash with China. Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi said that if China attacked Taiwan, it could be seen as a threat to Japan’s survival. China is now accusing Japan of interfering in its internal affairs and warned of a crushing defeat if Japan dares any misadventure.  Japan has usually avoided making direct comments about Taiwan, so this statement marked a shift. The situation has led to a war of words between the two countries, with both sides lodging complaints.