Speakers at a Tokyo symposium hosted by Taiwan's Abe Shinzo Research Center called for deeper cooperation on Indo-Pacific security.
Shinzo Abe Research Center

Speakers at a symposium hosted by National Chengchi University's Abe Shinzo Research Center, June 9 in Tokyo. (©Sankei/Takao Harakawa)

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Taiwan's Abe Shinzo Research Center at National Chengchi University in Taipei held an international symposium in Tokyo on June 9. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te delivered a video message, saying that "Taiwan and Japan, both located on the strategically important First Island Chain, face the same security challenges."

He expressed gratitude to former Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi for "carrying on former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's vision" by repeatedly emphasizing the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait on the international stage and by advancing an upgraded version of the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) strategy.

A Vision for Economic Security

Keynote speeches were delivered by Chiou I-jen, Taiwan's former vice premier; Yoshiko Sakurai, president of the Japan Institute for National Fundamentals; and Kenneth Weinstein, Japan Chair at the Hudson Institute.

Chiou said that the 12-member Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) also stands as evidence of Abe's exceptional foresight and unwavering determination. "To achieve the goals of economic security, it is essential for countries that share the values of democracy and freedom to cooperate," Chiou said.

Speaking next, Sakurai pointed to China's growing military and economic pressure on Taiwan and expressed hope that the Taiwanese people would continue to maintain their resolve to defend their homeland alongside Japan and the United States. She said Japan must provide assurances that such confidence is justified, adding, "One example would be allowing Taiwan to join the TPP."

Weinstein said that Abe's legacy would not rest on any single reform, election victory, or diplomatic agreement, but on his success in restoring Japan's sense of national confidence and strategic purpose.

The center also announced plans to establish the Abe School of Politics and Economics in Tokyo next spring to train young Japanese lawmakers and aspiring politicians.

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Author: The Sankei Shimbun

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