Japan and Taiwan have a long history of providing aid to one other in times of need. Now, that kind of friendly cooperation is extending to a new field: security.
It’s standing-room only. Lawmakers from Japan and Taiwan met virtually on Tuesday in a packed-out new forum for discussing security cooperation.
Taiwanese legislator Chao Tien-lin wants Japan and Taiwan to strengthen ties by encoding them in a new Japan Relations Act and Taiwan Relations Act.
Tuesday’s talks aimed to boost security cooperation in the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific, and help maintain stability in northeast Asia more generally.
Speaking through an interpreter, Japan’s former Senior Vice Minister of Defense Yasuhide Nakayama says he views Taiwan’s proposals positively. He says the youth division of Japan’s ruling party is discussing plans for formal legislation.
Tuesday’s forum comes a day after Japan’s foreign minister stressed the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi says it is vital that Japan shows firm opposition to any actions that increase tensions in the region.
With increasing international discussion of Asia-Pacific security issues, Japan is making clear it needs a seat at the table.