Outgoing President Tsai Ing-wen, new President Lai Ching-te, and new Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim wave at the inauguration ceremony. In front of the Presidential Palace in Taipei on May 20. (@Kyodo)
Japan's top government spokesman, Yoshimasa Hayashi, used a press briefing in Tokyo on Monday to deliver a supportive message to the new Taiwan President Lai Ching-te.
The Chief Cabinet Secretary pledged to deepen the relationship between Japan and Taiwan. He described it as an "extremely crucial partner and an important friend." Mr Hayashi, who previously served as foreign minister, said that Taiwan shares fundamental values with Japan.
From a diplomatic perspective, Taiwan throws up a dilemma for Japan and other liberal democracies, including the United States. Governments pay lip service to a so-called "One China Policy." This impedes them from giving full recognition to Taiwan as a country. But this does not mean that they align with Xi Jinping's view that China has a duty to "reunite" Taiwan with the mainland, by force if necessary.
Supportive Messages
In line with long-established convention, senior members of the Japanese government chose not to attend the inauguration of President Lai. Nevertheless, some Japanese politicians found ways to display their support for Taiwan's leaders and to salute the bravery of those who face Chinese intimidation.
For example, about thirty members of Japan's Parliamentary Council were present at the swearing-in ceremony of President Lai in Taipei. They were led by Diet Member Keiji Furuya.
"We are good old friends who help each other even in difficult times," Furuya said, noting the extensive business and cultural links between the two places.
Earlier this year, Mr Furuya met with Taiwan's outgoing president, Tsai Ing-wen, who has worked assiduously to enhance connections with "like-minded democracies." During her time in office, she hosted parliamentary delegations from many countries. It was part of her aim of promoting goodwill and understanding.
Chinese Pressure
In contrast to the charm offensive by Taiwan, the People's Republic of China has taken a far more stern approach. Under Xi Jinping, China has applied immense pressure on countries to cut their formal diplomatic ties with the island. This process means that only twelve nations still favor Taiwan over China. And although they could be regarded as small and remote nations, their stance has not gone unnoticed.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida made a point of visiting Paraguay earlier this month. It is the only country in South America that has official diplomatic ties with Taiwan.
Mr Kishida and Paraguay's President Santiago Pena said that attempts to unilaterally change the status quo across the Taiwan Strait by force will not be tolerated.
Furthermore, Japan's Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa recently hosted a meeting in Tokyo with Guatemalan envoy Carlos Ramiro Martínez. He represents another country that officially recognizes Taiwan. The two ministers emphasized the importance of democracy and the rule of law.
Peaceful Aspiration
During his presidential inauguration speech, Lai Ching-te said Taiwan would not be swayed by "external forces" and would maintain the status quo with China. He also called for peace across the Taiwan Strait.
Peace in the Indo-Pacific region is also a crucial aspiration for Japan. Along with Taiwan and the Philippines, it forms part of what China calls the "first island chain."
In a bid to prevent conflict, Japan's government is attempting to enhance the deterrence capabilities of the national Self-Defense Force. Military spending has risen to record levels. Fumio Kishida's government has also reached out to the Philippines. He traveled to Washington with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr in April for talks with US President Joe Biden.
Taiwan's outgoing president Tsai Ing-wen spoke to the BBC, saying that she believes to resist China, Taiwan needs allies.
"Strengthening our military capacity is one method and working with our friends in the region to form a collective deterrence is another," she said.
The message has been heard loud and clear by Japan.
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Author: Duncan Bartlett, Diplomatic Correspondent
Mr Bartlett is the Diplomatic Correspondent for JAPAN Forward and a Research Associate at the SOAS China Institute. Read his other articles and essays.
