Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated at a recent House of Representatives Budget Committee meeting that a Taiwan contingency could constitute a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan, allowing it to exercise its right to collective self-defense. This has been her position since before taking office, but her Diet comments reveal a lack of awareness regarding the gravity of the issue.

In response to a question from an opposition lawmaker, she said that if China were to impose a maritime blockade on Taiwan, "If it involves the use of warships and armed force, it would be a survival-threatening situation no matter how you look at it."

Japan's security-related legislation partially permits the exercise of collective self-defense by the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) even if Japan itself is not attacked. However, this is strictly limited to any situation that "threatens Japan's survival and poses a clear danger of fundamentally overturning people's right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness." It must be applied with the utmost rigor.

The prime minister did not explain how such a scenario would meet these requirements. This opens the door to dangerous over-interpretation.

Successive administrations have maintained that the survival-threat situation must be made "based on a comprehensive assessment of individual circumstances," and have no direct link to a Taiwan contingency. This has been intended, in part, to avoid revealing Japan's strategic intentions to China.

Subsequently, in a later budget committee session, Takaichi walked back her remarks, stating that the government's position had not changed and added words of reflection, saying, "I will refrain from specifying particular cases." If her initial comments were an overreached expression of her personal views, they were nothing short of careless.

Takaichi has long been popular among conservatives for her forthright positions. However, she must also recognize that careless statements can become diplomatic flashpoints.

When she met with Chinese President Xi Jinping for the first time, she affirmed the importance of direct dialogue among leaders to resolve outstanding issues. Actions that needlessly heighten mutual tensions are counterproductive.

In response to Takaichi's remarks, the Chinese consul general in Osaka posted an outrageous comment on social media, threatening to "cut off a dirty neck without a moment of hesitation." Such behavior is beyond the pale, and the Japanese government was right to lodge a protest.

As prime minister, Takaichi is responsible for making critical decisions to ensure the safety of the Japanese people. As commander-in-chief of the SDF, she is also responsible for the lives of service members. It is essential to prepare for a range of scenarios.

However, if she fails to conduct responsible policy deliberation and provide clear explanations, concerns about her administration's ability to govern will only grow.

This is an issue that could draw the Japanese people into the horrors of war. Careful debate in the Diet and other forums is essential.