Taiwan Security at the Heart of New Think Tank Initiative

A Japanese journalist living in Taiwan has launched a private think tank called the Indo-Pacific Strategy Think Tank (IPST). Following its launch, the organization has garnered significant attention from Taiwanese authorities, media outlets, diplomatic officials, and the business community. 

Founder Akio Yaita (52) previously served as the Sankei Shimbun's Beijing correspondent and later as the head of its Taipei bureau. During both assignments, his focus was on issues related to China and Taiwan. Yaita's think tank aims to enhance international understanding of Taiwan. Moreover, it plans to regularly publish a safety index that quantifies tensions in the Taiwan Strait.

IPST's Mission

On October 14, a reception celebrating the establishment of the IPSF took place at a hotel in Taipei. Many prominent figures from Taiwan's political and business circles attended. Executive Director Yaita remarked, "Taiwan is at the forefront of preventing China's external expansion. I hope this think tank will serve as a bridge between Taiwan and the democratic nations of the world."

Yaita also noted that the IPST plans to release a monthly Taiwan Strait affairs report and a Taiwan Strait safety index. In addition, it also intends to conduct public opinion surveys on Taiwan within the international community.

Political Support

Political elites were also in attendance, indicating significant interest in the event. Deputy Secretary-General Ho Chih-wei of the Office of the President of Taiwan read a congratulatory message from President Lai Ching-te. 

Minister of Economic Affairs Kuo Jyh-huei also spoke at the event. "Taiwan is a key player in the global semiconductor supply chain," he noted. He expressed optimism that the IPST's activities would "enhance the international community's understanding of Taiwan's vital role in economic security within the Indo-Pacific."

Raymond Greene, director of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Taipei Office, expressed a strong commitment to collaborating with IPST. Greene emphasized the goal of advancing United States-Japan-Taiwan relations while enhancing peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific.

Kazuyuki Katayama, the representative of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association's Taipei Office, was also present. So, too, was Su Jia-chyuan, the chairman of Taiwan's Taiwan-Japan Relations Association.

Chinese Consternation?

On the day of the reception, the Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army conducted large-scale exercises encircling Taiwan. During this time, a record 153 Chinese military aircraft were confirmed around the island democracy.

Robert Tsao Hsing-cheng, the founder of United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC), also addressed the audience at the reception. Chinese authorities designated Tsao as a "Taiwan independence activist" on their sanctions list. On stage, he remarked that China's military exercises today have underscored the critical importance of IPST.

From Tianjin to Taiwan

Born in Tianjin, China, as a second-generation Japanese, Yaita returned to Japan at 15. After graduating from Keio University's Faculty of Letters, he joined the prestigious Matsushita Institute of Government and Management. Fluent in both Japanese and Chinese, he has become a prominent journalist in Taiwan, recognized for his expertise on China.

Dr Robert D Eldridge, an American political scientist conducting research in Japan and Taiwan, expressed his hopes for the think tank. "I am eager to see what kind of research outcomes IPSI will produce in the future," said Dr Eldridge.

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Author: Yoshiaki Nishimi,  The Sankei Shimbun Taipei Bureau Chief