TAIPEI (Reuters – Japan is not able to stand aside if China invades Taiwan. Shinzo Abe, the ex-prime minister of Japan said Wednesday that Beijing should understand.

Tensions about Chinese-claimed Taiwan are rising as President Xi Jinping tries to claim his country’s sovereignty against the democratically governed island. Taiwan’s government claims it is for peace but will fight back if necessary.

Abe spoke virtually at a Taiwanese think-tank, the Institute for National Policy Research. He noted that the Senkaku Islands (which China refers to as the Diaoyu Islands) – Sakishima Islands and Yonaguni islands are only 100km (62 miles), from Taiwan.

A military invasion of Taiwan could pose grave threats to Japan, he said.

A Taiwan emergency is an American emergency and, therefore, an emergency for Japan-U.S. Alliance. “People in Beijing, especially President Xi, shouldn’t have a misunderstanding when recognising that,” Abe stated.

Japan has major U.S. bases. These include Okinawa on Okinawa’s southern island. This is a brief flight from Taiwan and would prove crucial for U.S. support in a Chinese attack.

Although the United States has a legal obligation to give Taiwan defense mechanisms, there are questions about whether or not it will send troops to aid Taiwan during a conflict with China.

Last month, U.S. Secretary Antony Blinken stated that the United States and all its allies would “take unspecified action” in case China used force to change Taiwan’s status quo.

Abe is the head of the largest section of the Liberal Democratic Party, and remains an influential member of that party.

Japan and Taiwan should work together to defend freedom and democracy, Abe stated to an audience including Cheng Wentsan (mayor in Taoyuan), who is being considered for a future presidential candidacy.

Japan is also interested in a stronger Taiwan and a more thriving Taiwan. A Taiwan that protects freedom and respects human rights is also in Japan’s best interests. Abe stated that this was also in the best interests of the entire world.