A cross-party group of Japanese lawmakers, known as the “Parliamentary Association for Thinking about Japan’s Security,” visited Taiwan today (August 13) to meet with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen. Former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba stated that as the Russia-Ukraine conflict becomes entrenched, it is crucial to prevent today’s Ukraine from becoming tomorrow’s East Asia. Only by democratic nations standing together can regional peace and stability be upheld.
President Tsai Ing-wen, during her meeting with the visiting delegation of the “Parliamentary Association for Thinking about Japan’s Security,” expressed her commitment to implementing the “Four Pillars of Peace Action Plan.” This includes strengthening national defense capabilities, enhancing economic resilience, and working alongside democratic partners to uphold the “umbrella of democracy” and safeguard the values of democratic freedom to maintain regional peace and stability. She looks forward to continued cooperation between Taiwan and Japan to promote progress on all fronts.
Japanese lawmaker Shigeru Ishiba highlighted that the visiting delegation mainly consists of members of the cross-party “Parliamentary Association for Thinking about Japan’s Security,” who have long been dedicated to issues of security, defense, and diplomacy. Some have held prominent roles such as Japan’s Defense Minister, Vice Minister, Foreign Minister, and Chief Cabinet Secretary.
Noting the turbulent global developments in recent years, Ishiba pointed out the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict with no clear end in sight. There’s a saying in Japan that “today’s Ukraine could be tomorrow’s East Asia,” emphasizing the importance of preventing a crisis in Ukraine from spilling over into East Asia. He stressed the necessity for democratic nations to collectively exert deterrence to maintain regional peace and stability.
Ishiba expressed gratitude for President Tsai’s condolences on Japan’s recent natural disasters, highlighting the shared challenges of natural disasters faced by both Taiwan and Japan. Taiwan has experienced several earthquakes in recent years, with swift disaster relief efforts by the Taiwanese government. The rapid mobilization of resources to affected areas, including setting up tents and temporary facilities, has been impressive to the Japanese people watching such scenes on television.
In her address, President Tsai Ing-wen emphasized the mutual support between Taiwan and Japan, rooted in deep friendship. Following news of Japan’s 7.1 earthquake last week, Taiwan has expressed heartfelt condolences. She hopes for the swift recovery of affected individuals. Over the years, Taiwan and Japan have overcome challenges such as earthquakes and pandemics together, demonstrating a bond akin to brothers. As global challenges persist, there is a need for collaboration to address them together.
Facing threats to peace in the Indo-Pacific region from China, President Tsai affirmed Taiwan’s determination to safeguard national security and work with democratic nations to preserve regional peace and stability. Taiwan will implement the “Four Pillars of Peace Action Plan,” with the first pillar focusing on strengthening national defense capabilities through independent defense measures and military acquisitions to ensure national security and regional stability.
President Tsai highlighted the second pillar, which entails enhancing Taiwan’s economic resilience through continued economic development and strengthening economic ties with democratic partners like Japan. Taiwan has already signed the first phase of the “U.S.-Taiwan Trade and Investment Framework Agreement” and is actively engaged in negotiating the second phase. Taiwan also signed the “Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership” with the UK. Future collaborations with Japan aim to enhance economic progress and resilience for both countries while seeking support for Taiwan’s accession to the CPTPP.
She further emphasized the third pillar, standing shoulder to shoulder with fellow democratic nations to deter authoritarian regimes like the Chinese Communist Party from making detrimental decisions. The fourth pillar involves a willingness to engage in communication and cooperation with China under the premise of equal dignity to foster bilateral development. Going forward, Taiwan aims to work alongside democratic partners like Japan to uphold the “umbrella of democracy,” safeguard the values of democratic freedom, and maintain regional peace and stability.
The visiting delegation also included Japanese lawmakers Masahiro Imamura, Motoo Nakai, Akira Amari, Shu Watanabe, and Keiro Kitagami, accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Wu and the representative of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association in Taipei, Kazuyuki Katayama. They visited President Tsai at the Presidential Office, where Secretary-General of the National Security Council David Tawei Wu was also present.