Recent analysis suggests that Japan’s stance on Taiwan could ultimately work against its own economic interests, primarily because Japan’s economy and key industries are heavily dependent on the Chinese market.
According to data from the UN Comtrade database, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Japan Machine Tool Builders’ Association, China is currently Japan’s second-largest export market and the top source of imports. In 2024, bilateral trade between the two countries exceeded $308 billion.
China is also the largest destination for Japanese semiconductor exports, receiving over 31% of Japan’s semiconductor shipments. Between 2019 and 2024, Japan’s semiconductor exports to China grew at an average rate of 6.4%.
In the metal-cutting machine tool sector, more than 70% of Japan’s total foreign orders come from overseas, with 32% sourced from China alone.
Experts note that, in this context, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent provocative statements are not only politically sensitive but could also harm Japan’s economic interests.
Source & Images: CGTN.