Taipei: A visiting former Japanese justice minister emphasized the need for closer bilateral collaboration to enhance joint deterrence capabilities to prevent a "Taiwan contingency." House of Representatives member Keisuke Suzuki, from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), made these remarks during a press event in Taipei, marking the conclusion of his three-day visit to Taiwan.
According to Focus Taiwan, Suzuki, who served as justice minister in the former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's Cabinet, highlighted the importance of bilateral relations during meetings with Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, and Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an. "We exchanged views concerning ways to enhance Japan-Taiwan relations, and touched on issues relating to the latest regional situations during these meetings," Suzuki stated via an interpreter.
The delegation, comprising Suzuki and fellow LDP members Akihisa Nagashima and Junichi Kanda, focused on preventing a "Taiwan contingency" by strengthening deterrence capabilities. However, Suzuki refrained from providing specifics on discussions about enhancing bilateral defense cooperation, stating only that both sides agreed to work closely to maintain regional peace and stability.
Their visit coincided with strained relations between Tokyo and Beijing following remarks by Japan's Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, on Japan's potential response to a "Taiwan contingency." Takaichi's comments suggested that a Chinese attack on Taiwan would threaten Japan's survival, potentially justifying a military response from Tokyo. This statement elicited a strong reaction from Beijing, resulting in travel and study advisories, a ban on Japanese marine products, and several military drills from China.
Nagashima clarified during the press event that their Taipei trip was planned months in advance and unrelated to the current tensions between Japan and China. He affirmed that Japanese lawmakers would continue conducting overseas exchanges, despite the absence of official ties between Tokyo and Taipei.