Taiwan and Japan are closely connected with one another in terms of their history, geography and people. The connection is much more intimate than that between any other two countries. Throughout the course of human history, no two neighboring countries have ever shared such warm feelings toward each other.
Due to their geographical proximity, Taiwan and Japan confront almost the same natural disasters. When a disaster occurs, the two countries always assist one another.
Today, Taiwan and Japan have to deal with more than a natural disaster, they have to contend with the threat posed by China. Beijing has already demonstrated its expansionist ambitions. This is a significant issue that Taiwan and Japan have to face together.
Taiwanese believe that Japan is a right-minded nation. Japan’s distinctive bushido spirit still exists in various forms, and it is in the heart of every Japanese despite each person’s different social status. This is something that Taiwanese admire the most.
It is therefore regrettable that Tokyo has yet to recognize Taiwan as a country. Even though Taiwan and Japan help each other when a natural disaster occurs, the two countries cannot deepen their collaboration in terms of security and defense.
Taiwan and Japan would have to confront any serious crisis caused by China without a properly established collaborative relationship. This is a question of life or death.
The Formosa Republican Association is the largest conservative civil society organization in Taiwan. We have communicated with Japanese experts and exchanged ideas on regional security and defense.
However, as a civil society organization, the association cannot deal with security and defense issues by itself.
On Nov. 8, international political scientists, including top Japanese academic Genki Fujii, organized a symposium to demonstrate support for Taiwan, titled “One Taiwan 2023.” During the meeting, participants called on the Japanese government to create its own “Taiwan Relations Act.”
I sincerely hope that the honorable people of Japan can make the most of this opportunity and push the Japanese National Diet to create its own Taiwan Relations Act.
Taiwan’s legal status could be lucidly defined in the act, and it would be able to collaborate with Japan on security and defense. That way, Asia’s freedom, democracy and security could be safeguarded by Taiwan and Japan.
Tommy Lin is the chairman of the Formosa Republican Association.
Translated by Emma Liu
Source: Taipei Times - Editorials 2023/11/23
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