Japanese View Taiwan Most Favorably, China Least: Poll Reveals

Tourists dressed in traditional Japanese outfits pose for photographs in front of the Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto, Japan, on Sept. 7, 2015. Chris McGrath/Getty Images

As 2023 nears its end, the Taiwanese representative office in Japan unveiled the latest findings on how Japanese perceive Taiwan. The survey reveals a remarkable contrast: Japanese hold the highest regard for Taiwan in Asia, while their views on China, particularly the Chinese communist regime, are notably less favorable. This sentiment echoes earlier survey results, indicating a mutual high regard between Japan and Taiwan, and a concurrent decline in China’s favorability.

On Dec. 18, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan (hereafter, Taiwanese Representative Office) shared insights from this year’s public opinion research. Conducted from Oct. 30 to Nov. 1, 2023, by a polling agency commissioned by the Taiwanese Representative Office, this survey spanned Japan’s residents aged 20 to 89, gathering data from 1,000 participants. The survey boasts a confidence level of 95 percent.

Key findings (pdf) show 76.6 percent of Japanese respondents feel a kinship with Taiwan, 65 percent deem it trustworthy, and 72.8 percent view Japan–Taiwan relations positively. These figures align closely with a 2021 survey (pdf) published on Jan. 20, 2022.

Participants chose from nine Asian countries/regions, including China, Taiwan, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam, and India, for the “closest Asian country/region” category. Taiwan topped the list with a 46.2 percent selection rate, followed by South Korea at 19.1 percent. China, under the Chinese communist regime, trailed at a mere 1.9 percent.

When asked what Taiwan evokes, the majority (74.8 percent) said “Friendliness toward Japan,” followed by descriptors like “A free and democratic country,” “Economically developed,” “Delicious food,” and “Rich in tourist attractions.” Historical ties and quality products were also noted.

Further probing into the sense of affinity, 76.6 percent affirmed feeling close to Taiwan, 5.4 percent did not, and 18 percent remained neutral. Delving into the reasons, the majority (74.4 percent) attributed their affinity to the “kindness and friendliness of Taiwanese people.” This was followed by historical interactions (41.1 percent), economic ties (33.9 percent), cultural connections (27.4 percent), the prevalence of Japanese speakers in Taiwan (25.1 percent), and support during crises like earthquakes and the COVID-19 pandemic (23.9 percent). Lack of interest or knowledge about Taiwan was the main reason for the absence of affinity.

In terms of trust, 65.0 percent of respondents trusted Taiwan, with only 2.4 percent expressing distrust. The main reasons for trust included “friendliness toward Japan” (62.2 percent), shared values like freedom and democracy (55.1 percent), historical connections (35.5 percent), and Taiwan’s peaceful nature (34.8 percent).

The survey also highlighted concerns regarding Taiwan and Japan’s relationship, with the top issue being “the impact of the Taiwan Strait situation on Japan” (44.4 percent). When asked about maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait, the most popular option was “diplomacy and dialogue” (57.0 percent), followed by “Japan-U.S.-Taiwan cooperation” (37.1 percent), and strengthening defense capabilities in Taiwan and Japan.

Lastly, a significant 63.5 percent showed interest in Taiwan’s January 2024 presidential election.

From these results, several observations emerge:

1. Japan’s high favorability (76.6 percent) and trust (65.0 percent) toward Taiwan stem from Taiwan’s friendly approach, shared values, historical ties, and peaceful demeanor, leading to a perception of Taiwanese people as exceptionally kind (74.4 percent).
2. In ranking the closest Asian country, Taiwan (Republic of China) leads (46.2 percent), with China (Chinese Communist Party) at the bottom (1.9 percent). This gap has widened since the December 2021 survey.
3. The contrasting views toward Taiwan and China are influenced by Taiwan’s alignment with Japan in culture, freedom, democracy, and human rights, in stark contrast to the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) authoritarianism and military threats.
4. The Japanese public’s awareness of the Taiwan Strait situation and interest in Taiwan’s elections highlight a pragmatic approach to maintaining regional peace and stability.

Taiwanese Survey: Japan Most Liked by Taiwanese

In a parallel development, the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Taipei Office conducted a survey (pdf) on Taiwanese perceptions of Japan, revealing Japan as the most admired country among Taiwanese people. Released on March 18, 2022, this survey underscored Japan’s position as the top favored and trusted nation in the eyes of Taiwanese residents.

This survey, spearheaded by the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association and executed by a polling firm, spanned from Jan. 5 to 20, 2022. It targeted Taiwanese residents aged 20 to 80, gathering 1,068 responses with a 95 percent confidence level.

In terms of favorite countries or regions, Japan led with a 60 percent favorability rating, marking a slight 1 percent increase from the prior survey. China, although second, trailed significantly at 5 percent, less than a tenth of Japan’s score, indicating a stark disparity. This represents a 3 percent decrease from the previous survey in 2019. The United States maintained its third-place standing at 4 percent.

For the category “Country or Region to Grow Closer with in the Future,” Japan secured 46 percent, reflecting a 9 percent rise from the previous survey. The United States followed with 24 percent, also noting a 9 percent increase. China, on the other hand, saw a considerable 16 percent drop, settling at 15 percent.

In assessing “The Most Influential Country or Region for Taiwan,” the United States climbed to the top with 58 percent, marking a substantial 25 percent leap. China, with a 20 percent decline, stood at 25 percent. Japan ranked third with 13 percent, a minor 2 percent dip.

When asked about their “Feeling of Closeness to Japan,” 77 percent of respondents affirmed this sentiment, showing a notable 17 percent increase.

Regarding “Current Japan-Taiwan Relations,” 70 percent acknowledged “Good Relations,” marking a 17 percent uptick.

In comparing “Current Japan-Taiwan Relations to the Past,” 65 percent observed an “Improvement.”

Lastly, in the “Is Japan Trustworthy?” category, 60 percent responded affirmatively, a 10 percent rise from the previous survey.

These findings highlight several trends:

1. The favorability, trust, and closeness ratings of Taiwanese people toward Japan consistently exceed 60 percent. Both favorability and trust have seen an increase since the 2019 survey.
2. Among the United States, China, and Japan, the Taiwanese people’s sense of closeness and trust is significantly higher for Japan compared to the other two nations.
3. Despite the CCP’s extensive propaganda efforts and public opinion manipulation, its escalating military threats and global suppression tactics have led to a substantial decline in its approval among Taiwanese people, revealing its increasingly negative perception.
4. While Japan’s favorability in Taiwan continues to rise, there’s also an increasing expectation placed on the United States, viewed as the most influential nation for Taiwan. This growth in the U.S. rating correlates with a decline in China’s (CCP), suggesting a reciprocal relationship between the two.

CCP’s Aggressive Tactics at Odds With Public Sentiment

The tensions in East Asia escalated further on Dec. 18, when four Chinese coast guard ships intruded into the territorial waters of Japan’s Senkaku Islands. This incident marked the tenth such intrusion in the month and the forty-second in the year, underlining the persistent tensions in the region.

As Taiwan gears up for its general election in January, the CCP is increasingly exerting military pressure on the island. Concurrently, its attempts to influence the election outcome are intensifying. The CCP is leveraging various channels, including social media, to disseminate misinformation, aiming to sway the election in favor of pro-communist candidates.

The CCP’s persistent flouting of international norms has inadvertently strengthened the bond between Japan and Taiwan. This unity, rooted in shared concerns and values, forms a robust base of public opinion. Ironically, the CCP’s continued assertive actions are further polarizing public opinion, creating an even more pronounced divide.