TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Tuesday (Aug. 13) vowed to bolster Taiwan's defense and support a “democratic umbrella” with Japan during a visit by a delegation of parliamentarians from Japan’s National Diet.
The delegation was led by Japanese Representative Ishiba Shigeru, considered a likely successor to outgoing Prime Minister Kishida Fumio.
Lai was quoted by the Office of the President as saying Taiwan will implement the “Four Pillars of Peace” action plan that includes strengthening Taiwan's defense, improving the country's economic resilience, joining with other countries to build deterrence, and continuing to engage with China.
Outlining the first pillar, Lai said that Taiwan would create an “elite force” by enhancing Taiwn's self-defense capabilities and buy weapons from abroad. Lai said these measures will “defend the nation and uphold peace and stability in the region.”
For the second pillar, Lai said Taiwan will grow its economy while boosting trade with Japan and other democratic countries. He said Taiwan plans to “leverage the complementary nature of our industries to further advance our economies and make them more resilient.”
The president hoped that Japan would continue to back Taiwan's admission into the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.
Lai said the essence of the third pillar was “standing side-by-side with other democratic countries" to project the power of deterrence and ensure that Beijing did not make “an incorrect decision.”
He added the fourth pillar is based “on the condition of dignity and reciprocity.” As such, Taiwan will conduct exchanges and cooperate with China to foster more development on both sides of the strait.
Beyond the Four Pillars, Lai said Taiwan plans to support a democratic umbrella with Japan and other democracies, “defending the values of freedom and democracy, and maintaining regional peace and security.”
Ishiba pointed out the delegation included parliamentarians “who have long taken a keen interest in security and diplomacy.” He added that several members have defense-related roles, such as minister or state minister of defense, minister of foreign affairs, or special advisor to the prime minister.
Ishiba said recent world events have shown a disturbing trend, particularly in the case of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Ishiba said in Japan there is a saying, “Today’s Ukraine might become tomorrow’s East Asia,” and there is an urgent desire to prevent this from happening.
Echoing Lai's comments, Ishiba said peace and stability in the region can only be maintained if democratic countries are “standing shoulder to shoulder to demonstrate the strength of deterrence.”
