Abe's 'Indo-Pacific Strategy' Changed the World: Yaita Akio Says Taiwan Rises as Key Regional Security Partner

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's strategic vision for a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" (FOIP) has fundamentally reshaped regional security perceptions, according to veteran journalist and Indo-Pacific Strategy Think Tank CEO Yaita Akio. Abe, a statesman and strategic thinker, proposed the FOIP concept to counter China's growing influence and establish a regional order based on shared values like freedom, democracy, and the rule of law.

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Taiwan is an important beneficiary of the Indo-Pacific strategy and is regarded as an important partner in maintaining regional peace, democratic values, and global supply chain security.

Initially met with limited understanding, the FOIP concept gained traction as nations increasingly recognized the challenges posed by China's expanding economic and political reach in areas like the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait. The 'Indo-Pacific' framework has gradually replaced the 'Asia-Pacific' in international discussions on regional security and cooperation. The United States has adopted it as official policy, with Australia, India, and several European countries also developing their own Indo-Pacific strategies.

Yaita emphasized Taiwan's crucial role as a beneficiary and partner within this framework. Taiwan is seen as vital for maintaining regional peace, democratic values, and global supply chain security, with the stability of the Taiwan Strait considered paramount for the entire Indo-Pacific. Abe's past assertion that "a Taiwan contingency is a Japan contingency" significantly influenced both Japanese strategic thinking and international recognition of Taiwan's importance.

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Taiwan's peace and stability are considered issues crucial to the entire Indo-Pacific region.

Even after Abe's passing, his strategic ideas continue to influence Japan and the international community. Yaita noted that figures like current Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi carry forward Abe's vision. Yaita established the Indo-Pacific Strategy Think Tank in Taiwan two years ago to promote the FOIP concept through research and exchange, stressing that freedom, democracy, the rule of law, and regional cooperation should be pursued as shared goals, not just political slogans.

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A Taiwan contingency is a Japan contingency.