Japan’s postwar constitution renounces war ‘forever’. But with fears that US actions in Venezuela could embolden China to seize Taiwan, Sanae Takaichi could be tempted into a risky game. Honouring the war dead: Japan’s prime minister (then gender equality minister) Sanae Takaichi visits Yasukuni Shrine, Tokyo, 15 August 2007 Koichi Kamoshida · GettySo is Taiwan next? Some Western media believe the US’s actions in Venezuela have cleared the way for China to launch a similar operation against Taiwan. Though there is talk in Asia of a potential conflict, Taiwan is in less danger than Japan, for whose benefit China put on this military show of strength.