In a recent article, we are informed that the United States and Japan are making contingency plans in the event of a Chinese attack on Taiwan. The article stresses Japan's contributions to any such conflict as "rear-area support for U.S. forces," and also various humanitarian tasks.
In the Iraq war, Japan's Self-Defense Forces have provided logistic and humanitarian services, yet Ground Self-Defense Force units were protected by soldiers of other nations. Additionally, geographical factors and weapons limitations have negated attacks on Japanese soil by anyone in Iraq.
However, if Japan actively involves itself in a future war with the U.S. and Taiwan against China, one can be certain that it would become a prime military target for the Chinese. Being "in the rear with the gear" would do nothing to change this. Thus it would behoove the Japanese public to pay particular attention to this unfolding scenario, and consider carefully its potential ramifications.
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