Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

On the afternoon of August 7, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation from the Japan Forum for Strategic Studies (JFSS) and Formosa Republican Association (FRA). In remarks, President Lai stated that, in the face of expanding authoritarianism, Taiwan will continue to strengthen its national defense capabilities and whole-of-society defense and resilience. He expressed hope that Taiwan and Japan will continue to deepen cooperation in areas such as economic and trade security, the high-tech industry, and societal resilience, promoting peace and prosperity to jointly realize the vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

A translation of President Lai's remarks follows:

Let me begin, on behalf of the people of Taiwan, by warmly welcoming our distinguished guests. At a time of profound geopolitical change in the Indo-Pacific, they have shown support for Taiwan through concrete actions, for which I express my sincere gratitude on behalf of our citizens.

Last week, a major earthquake struck Kumamoto, Japan. I join the people of Taiwan in extending our concern and deepest sympathies. I sincerely hope that, through the efforts of the Japanese government, the impact of the disaster can be minimized and those affected will be able to return to their normal lives as soon as possible. Whenever Taiwan has experienced earthquakes or typhoons, we have received concern and support from the Japanese government, Diet, and general public. And whenever natural disasters have struck Japan, the people of Taiwan have likewise offered their concern and support. For decades, Taiwan and Japan have shown mutual concern and provided assistance and support after natural disasters, forging close bonds in times of adversity and developing a relationship akin to family.

At this critical time, as authoritarianism continues to expand, I would especially like to thank the FRA and the JFSS for jointly organizing their first policy simulation exercises in Taiwan. The exercises will be centered on the idea of establishing a trilateral Shield of Democracy cooperation mechanism between Taiwan, Japan, and the United States. They will bring together Japanese Diet members and experts and scholars from Taiwan and Japan to discuss and exchange ideas on peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, as well as the broader security situation. Your efforts will not only contribute to Taiwan's security and stability across the Taiwan Strait, but to peace in the Indo-Pacific region as well.

Taiwan is determined to defend our nation and safeguard peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Since taking office, I have continuously worked to strengthen Taiwan's national defense capabilities. This year, our defense budget surpassed 3 percent of GDP, the first time Taiwan's defense budget has ever surpassed that percentage. We have also established the Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee at the Presidential Office to methodically strengthen all-out defense and promote military-civilian cooperation, ensuring that every sector of society can serve as a pillar of support for our armed forces. Together, we can use our collective strength to safeguard Taiwan's national security.

On August 5, Taiwan began its most important annual military exercises, the Han Kuang exercises. Beginning this year, local governments and civic organizations are also working together to conduct resilience exercises. Through these military and urban resilience exercises, we aim to strengthen cooperation and response capabilities between the central and local governments, as well as between the government and the private sector, enhancing the nation's overall strength.

I sincerely hope that we can continue to deepen partnerships with like-minded countries to promote peace and prosperity. With your support, I am confident that Taiwan and Japan will continue to strengthen cooperation in areas of shared interest such as economic and trade security, the high-tech industry, and societal resilience, and work together to realize the vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific. This vision was championed by former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, but is, in truth, a shared aspiration of the international community. Taiwan will do everything in its power to work with Japan and other democratic nations in pursuit of this goal.

House of Representatives Member Onodera Itsunori then delivered remarks, first thanking President Lai and officials from the Taiwanese government for taking the time to receive the delegation. He stated that the fundamental goal of politicians, be they from Japan or Taiwan, is to pursue peace for their country and prosperity for their people. He noted that disputes nevertheless persist in the current global landscape, including the war in Ukraine and conflict in the Middle East. He said that many countries are attempting to change the status quo by force, pointing to China's increasingly frequent military activities, as President Lai had previously noted.

Representative Onodera pointed out that for Japan, Taiwan, and the US to ensure peace in the East Asian region, they must work closely together and remain fully prepared for any unexpected situations that may arise. He also stated that the JFSS has conducted numerous simulation exercises, by which it has continuously discussed how to safeguard regional peace in emergency situations and what response measures Japan should take. Each time individuals from Taiwan and the US have been invited to join in the simulations, he said, contributing their respective experiences.

Representative Onodera noted that the JFSS, with support from the FRA and individuals in Taiwan, will conduct simulation exercises for the first time in Taiwan. He expressed his belief that these exercises and preparations will serve as an important deterrent force for maintaining regional peace. He concluded by extending his sincere appreciation to President Lai and the FRA for making this exchange possible. He also thanked everyone from the JFSS for their participation and support.

The delegation also included House of Councillors Member Arimura Haruko and House of Representatives Members Yamashita Takashi, Otsuka Taku, and Kashima Yusuke.