Grant Newsham
The United States wants to know what Japan and Australia would do in the event of a conflict over Taiwan.
Under Secretary of Defense Elbridge Colby is under fire, as he sometimes is these days.
But the US has asked a reasonable question since the Americans are expected to do the heavy-lifting over Taiwan, and they need help. The United States is also treaty-obligated to defend both Japan and Australia in event of a fight unrelated to Taiwan.
The question appears to have been asked behind closed doors – which is good – but also appears to have been leaked. Which is not good – no matter who leaked it.
And another reason to keep it out of public eye? If Japan and Australia equivocate on support for Taiwan, which they undoubtedly will, that’s surely a signal to Beijing to press ahead.
Washington absolutely needs those commitments – but privately.
Ironically, even the US isn’t entirely clear on Taiwan – although it’s reasonably expected to fight since it does more than everyone else put together to bolster Taiwan’s defense..
And if Washington is going to war, it’s helpful to know who else is coming – and with what.
As for Japanese, they understand that a PRC-controlled Taiwan is an existential risk. There’s no sense of urgency, however.
War planning and preparations are lagging – beyond plans to evacuate Japan’s southern islands and building bomb shelters.
Tokyo has almost no security relationship with Taiwan.
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