On the afternoon of July 29, Legislative Yuan President You Si-kun held a virtual meeting with members of Japan’s National Diet. The discussion centered on security. Among the attendees were House of Representatives Members Shigeru Ishiba, Yasukazu Hamada, and Akihisa Nagashima, as well as House of Councillors Member Takayuki Shimizu.

In his remarks, President You expressed pleasure at the opportunity to meet with the Diet members, albeit virtually as he was under quarantine following his visit to Europe.

President You said he was saddened by the sudden death of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, but that the people of Taiwan would never forget his staunch support. He also stated that this was the first important Japanese delegation to visit Taiwan in a long time, testifying to the cordial friendship between the two countries.

President You stated that whenever Taiwan has confronted challenges, Japan has always been there with staunch support. This has extended to purchasing agricultural products and donating vaccines in six rounds. Such acts are greatly appreciated by the people of Taiwan. We have shown empathy whenever there have been earthquakes, floods, or other natural disasters by providing both material and spiritual support. This has formed a lasting virtuous cycle that has strengthened the bonds of friendship.

In closing, President You sincerely wished that exchanges and friendship would continue and that the delegation would enjoy a successful stay in Taiwan. He then wished all members of the delegation peace and prosperity.

House of Representatives Member Shigeru Ishiba responded by thanking President You for arranging the virtual meeting right after his return from Europe. On behalf of the delegation, he extended heartfelt appreciation to President You and thanked him for his condolences concerning former Prime Minister Abe. He then stated that the Diet began underscoring the importance of security a decade ago. Participants in related dialogue have included Diet members who have served as the defense minister, minister of foreign affairs, deputy minister of defense, and deputy minister of foreign affairs as well as those interested in security issues. He then spoke about Japan’s view of whether something like the Russian invasion of Ukraine could occur in East Asia, namely whether Taiwan could be the next Ukraine. He pondered whether Ukraine could have prevented the invasion if it had not renounced the use of nuclear weapons and whether Ukraine was fighting alone because it had not joined NATO. He continued by addressing how an invasion of Taiwan could be prevented and if the Asia-Pacific region should create a NATO-like collective defense mechanism to strengthen security.

He then shifted tone, mentioning that he had visited Taiwan nearly a dozen times, learning about such issues as whether Taiwan’s legal system were sound enough to respond to the changing cross-strait relationship, whether Taiwan’s attempts to procure arms were sufficient, and whether Taiwan were ready to respond to situations. He said he hoped Taiwan and Japan would continue to strengthen exchanges and cooperation. He pointed out that Taiwan and Japan share the universal values of peace, freedom, democracy, and human rights and together safeguard peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. If, he said, there were any obstacle to cooperation, he would do his best to discuss and settle issues through parliamentary exchanges and cooperation. He also hoped that President You would use his influence to promote security cooperation. A joint effort, he said, will lead to peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. He concluded his remarks by thanking President You again for having made arrangements.  

House of Representative Members Yasukazu Hamada and Akihisa Nagashima as well as House of Councilors Member Shimizu Takayuki expressed gratitude that President You had arranged the virtual meeting. They all said they had enjoyed the Kavalan whisky and Legislative Yuan edition of sorghum liquor they had been given and hoped one day to make a toast in person with President You as they exchanged views on issues of mutual concern.

President You responded that he looked forward to meeting in person. He then thanked the delegation members for their continued concern for the security of Taiwan and of Japan. This, he said, reminded him of something once said by former Prime Minister Abe, “A Taiwan emergency is an emergency for Japan and also for the Japan-US alliance,” a statement he expressed gratitude for. President You then shared his thoughts on his trip to Europe. European countries, he said, had expressed concern about the Russian invasion of Ukraine and that fears that “today Ukraine, tomorrow Taiwan,” were not unfounded. The people of Taiwan understood very well the meaning of “those who help themselves can also help others.” The Ukraine-Russia conflict inspired Taiwan to greater feats in fighting external aggression and not allowing adversaries to cross red lines. As long as Taiwan is making an effort, he said, democracies would certainly support it. The people of Taiwan, he concluded, had learned from Ukraine the importance of having the will to defend oneself.