President William Lai reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to enhancing Taiwan’s defense capabilities through military reforms and increased spending. In separate meetings with Japanese and U.S. lawmakers on the same day, Lai emphasized Taiwan’s commitment to strengthening its defense while fostering international partnerships.
During a meeting with Japanese Representative Shigeru Ishiba and his delegation, Lai highlighted the strong, enduring bond between Taiwan and Japan, which has been reinforced by shared experiences such as natural disasters and the global COVID-19 pandemic. He underscored the importance of continuing their partnership to address global challenges and maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Lai outlined his government’s strategy, centered around four pillars: robust military defense, economic resilience, alliances with democratic nations, and diplomatic engagement with Beijing based on equality and respect. He stressed Taiwan’s resolve to enhance its defense through domestic arms production, foreign military purchases, and rigorous military training, all aimed at safeguarding national security and regional peace.
In economic terms, Lai noted Taiwan’s efforts to bolster trade relationships, including agreements with the U.S. under the Initiative on 21st-Century Trade and an Enhanced Trade Partnership Arrangement with the UK. He also expressed appreciation for Japan’s support in Taiwan’s application to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
Lai emphasized Taiwan’s readiness to engage in dialogue with Beijing, provided it is conducted with mutual respect and equality. He expressed a desire to work with democratic allies, including Japan, to counterbalance China’s influence and maintain global stability.
Japanese Representative Shigeru Ishiba, leading a bipartisan delegation of Diet members, echoed the call for continued cooperation to strengthen regional deterrence and economic development. Ishiba pointed out that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine underscores the need for strong deterrence to prevent similar situations in Northeast Asia.
Later, Lai met with a U.S. delegation led by Representative Marilyn Strickland, who was accompanied by Representatives Julia Brownley, Jill Tokuda, and Jasmine Crockett. Strickland stressed the significance of deterrence in preventing potential Chinese aggression and highlighted the importance of democratic nations projecting strength and unity.
Strickland affirmed the U.S. commitment to supporting Taiwan and underscored the need for democracies to work together to uphold freedom and democracy amidst global threats and disinformation campaigns.
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TNL Editor: Kim Chan (@thenewslensintl)
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Publish date : 2024-08-13 21:25:00
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