A survey conducted on Saturday found that 9 in 10 Japanese expressed fear that China may invade Taiwan over territorial disputes.

The poll was conducted by the Mainichi Shimbun and Saitama University’s Social Survey Research Center. The survey asked 1,040 people questions regarding their concerns about China invading Taiwan and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. 

Among the respondents, 56% expressed that they have “strong concerns” that China could invade Taiwan, while 33% stated that they have “some degree of anxiety.” 

Respondents’ fears over the prospect of China invading Taiwan stem from an ongoing territorial dispute between China and Japan over a chain of islands known as Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China.

With an increasing number of Taiwanese people seeking independence from China, concerns over a potential invasion amid the Russia-Ukraine invasion have risen.

In regards to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the survey found that 87% of respondents were  concerned over the situation. Of those respondents, 46% felt “strong concerns” about how it may affect Japan’s security, while 41% expressed “some degree of anxiety.” 

When asked whether Japan should send bullet-proof vests to Ukraine, 61% of respondents believed it was “reasonable,” while an even larger percentage stated that Japan needs to provide more military aid. Another 11% felt that Japan did not need to assist the Ukrainian military. 

Saturday’s poll showed a significant increase in respondents’ fears in comparison to a similar survey conducted by Nikkei Asia on Feb. 28, which found that 77% of respondents were in fear of China invading Taiwan. 

In Nikkei Asia’s survey, concerns were shown to be higher amongst age groups in their 40s and 50s. Within this age group, 83% of respondents expressed concern that China may invade Taiwan.

Taiwanese campaigners rallying for independence from China 2018

AFP News Agency

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