2023-07-08
DPP Salutes Former Japanese PM Abe’s Contributions to Taiwan-Japan Ties On Anniversary of His Death
Today is the anniversary of the death of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Peifen Hsieh, spokesperson for the Democratic Progressive Party and director of the International Affairs Department, stated that former Prime Minister Abe was a longtime supporter of Taiwan. He was a close friend to Chairman Lai Ching-te and to Taiwan. He along with his many outstanding contributions to the Taiwan-Japan friendship will forever be missed.
Spokesperson Hsieh pointed out that Abe dedicated much of his life to building a strong foundation for Taiwan-Japan relations and repeatedly voiced support for Taiwan's accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, the World Health Organization and other international organizations. His Indo-Pacific strategy reminded the world that “a Taiwan contingency is Japan’s contingency as well.” He always stood firmly with Taiwan, for which the people of Taiwan will remain forever grateful.
Hsieh said that Abe not only supported Taiwan politically but also showed his sincere concern for us when we encountered difficulties and challenges. During the Tainan earthquake in 2016, then-Prime Minister Abe sent staff to the scene the next day to understand the needs of the Taiwanese people; during the Hualien earthquake in 2018, in addition to providing assistance, Abe personally wrote, "Stay strong, Taiwan," and made a video to cheer up the Taiwanese people. When Taiwanese farmers were targeted by China’s agricultural-product embargoes, Abe promoted Taiwan’s agricultural products on social media by posting a photo of him eating our home-grown pineapples. During the Covid pandemic, Abe even facilitated the Japanese government’s donation of more than 4 million vaccines to Taiwan. His support for Taiwan is and will remain vividly remembered by the people of Taiwan.
Hsieh stated that former Prime Minister Abe was always a stalwart supporter of Taiwan, making us feel particularly warm even as we dealt with a tough diplomatic situation. Held this March in Taipei, the Shinzo Abe Commemorative Video Exhibition epitomized the Taiwanese people's enduring affection for Abe. To continue this virtuous cycle, in the future we will continue to deepen the Taiwan-Japan friendship, contributing to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific
