(MENAFN) A recent poll indicates that almost half of Japan’s population would back military intervention if tensions between Taiwan and Beijing escalated into conflict.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told parliament on Friday that any attempt by Beijing to use force to fully reunify with Taiwan could create a “survival-threatening situation” under Japan’s security laws, potentially prompting a military response. Her statements mark a departure from previous administrations, which typically avoided explicit commitments regarding Taiwan.

The telephone poll, conducted with over 1,000 respondents, found that 48.8% of the public support Japan exercising its right to self-defense in the event of fighting in the Taiwan Strait. Additionally, 60.4% of those surveyed encouraged Tokyo to increase military spending to bolster national defense capabilities.

Since Takaichi became Japan’s first female prime minister less than a month ago, her government’s approval rating reportedly rose by 5.5%, reaching 69.9%.

Following her remarks, Beijing summoned Japan’s envoy to protest what it described as “extremely malicious” comments regarding Japan’s willingness to defend Taiwan. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian called the statement “blatantly provocative” and said it violates the One-China principle, which recognizes Beijing’s sovereignty over Taiwan.

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