Japanese Lawmaker: Taiwan's Steadfastness Against Neighborly Pressure Offers Lessons for Japan

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te met with Japanese lawmaker Akinisa Nagashima, a former deputy defense minister, who lauded Taiwan's steadfastness in the face of significant pressure from its powerful neighbor. Nagashima stated that Japan has much to learn from Taiwan's resilience.

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Facing severe military and economic pressure from neighboring countries, President Lai and Taiwan have remained steadfast, and I believe there is much that Japan can learn.

During their meeting, Lai highlighted that both Taiwan and Japan face challenges from authoritarian expansion. He expressed anticipation for deeper cooperation across various sectors, aiming to jointly build resilient democratic supply chains. Nagashima, in turn, commended President Lai and Taiwan for their unwavering attitude amidst severe military and economic pressure from a neighboring country, expressing high praise and admiration.

Lai emphasized Taiwan's commitment to strengthening its defense capabilities and societal resilience. He pointed to the expansion of annual military exercises, including the "Han-Kuang" exercise and "City Resilience" drills, as evidence of this commitment. He also noted Taiwan's strengths in semiconductors and artificial intelligence, suggesting a synergistic partnership with Japan's expertise in critical materials, equipment, and precision manufacturing to create more robust democratic supply chains.

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Peace cannot be expected from the goodwill of aggressors; it must be backed by strength.

Nagashima also mentioned his participation in a joint policy simulation involving Taiwan, Japan, and the United States. He noted a consensus among participants to invite experts from countries like the Philippines and Australia next year. The simulation underscored the importance of unity among nations within the First Island Chain to maintain regional peace and stability. Both leaders agreed that human rights and democracy are vital shared values, and further deepening ties in these areas, alongside security, is crucial.

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Nations within the First Island Chain should unite and continue to work hard to maintain regional peace and stability.