Would Japan Go To War With China? (And Will Australia Help?)

Eighty years ago, Australia and Japan were bitter enemies. Today, they are among the closest security partners in the Indo-Pacific. In this episode of Talking Tactics, we explore how that transformation happened, and why the Australia–Japan relationship is becoming increasingly important as tensions with China rise. We examine Japan’s history with China and explain why Tokyo now sees Beijing not just as a competitor, but as a direct security challenge, from pressure around the Senkaku Islands to growing fears over a Taiwan conflict. We also look at Australia’s own path with Japan, from World War II hostility to post-war reconciliation, deep economic ties, and today’s expanding defence cooperation. Finally, we ask the big question: if Japan were to intervene in a China–Taiwan conflict, would Australia be drawn in too? While there’s no automatic treaty obligation, Australia’s alliance with the United States and its growing strategic alignment with Japan make staying on the sidelines increasingly difficult. What do you think? Should Australia be prepared to support Japan in a future crisis, or keep its distance? I’m Mel Pikos, and this is Talking Tactics. #japan #china #australianarmy 00:00 Japan Calls Out China 01:27 Japan's History with China 04:48 Australia's History with Japan 06:58 Japan and Australia's Defence Agreements 09:33 Why Is Japan Worried? 12:00 Would Australia Help Japan in the Conflict with China? 14:23 What Do You Think? --- Like the 3D printed models in the background? They were provided by Spack.au and Talking Tactics viewers can get 5% off the Camouflage Models range by using the following link: https://shorturl.at/R0Rl4 Discount will be applied at checkout after using this link and placing an order. --- Talking Tactics delivers an informed and progressive look into new world Business, Finance, Politics, Infrastructure, Defence, Technology and Current Events. Talking Tactics is presented by Mel Pikos, Managing Director of TACTIC. TACTIC is an end to end solution for all your commercial office space needs including Workplace Strategy | Leasing Advisory | Workplace Design | Furniture Advisory | Fitout Construction. To increase the productivity of your office whilst strategically minimising costs, visit www.tactic.au or send an email to mel@tactic.au Connect with us on our socials: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/talkingtacticswithm... Talking Tactics with Mel Pikos on Facebook Tactic Spaces on Facebook @mel_pikos on Twitter @melppikos on Instagram @melpikos on TikTok