TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) presided over the opening of the Abe Shinzo Research Center at National Chengchi University’s College of International Affairs on Sunday.
Lai said Abe’s passing was a loss to the world, as it was fitting that the research center was inaugurated on the International Day of Peace. Lai said the center would contribute to security and also promote political exchange between Taiwan and Japan, per CNA.
Notable attendees at the event included Abe’s widow, Akie; National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu (吳釗燮); Vice Foreign Minister Ger Bau-shuan (葛葆萱); Minister of Education Cheng Ying-yao (鄭英耀); chief representative of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Katayama Kazuyuki; and others.
Lai praised Abe as Japan’s longest-serving prime minister, holding the post for 3,188 days. During this time, Abe bravely faced difficult challenges and promoted policies that benefited the nation and its people.
According to Lai, his economic plan, “Abenomics,” revitalized Japanese industry and helped it recover from years of economic stagnation. Lai said that Japan continues to be deeply influenced by the political blueprint created by Abe.
Most importantly, Lai said that Abe was a trusted ally of Taiwan. He said this was evidenced during the COVID pandemic, when Japan donated four million vaccine doses to Taiwan.
Lai said that when Taiwan faced threats from China, Abe forcefully responded. In 2021, Abe said, “A Taiwan emergency is a Japanese emergency, and therefore an emergency for the Japan-US alliance.”
Lai said that Abe fostered a deep relationship between Taiwan and Japan, creating a resilient island chain that would withstand natural disasters, while also serving as a counter to China’s red supply chain, and a bulwark against authoritarianism and military threats.
According to Lai, Abe was also a world-class statesman. During Trump’s first presidency, he flew to the US to propose his Indo-Pacific strategy, which led to the Quad talks involving Australia, India, Japan, and the US.
And while China was expanding its military, Japan was able to enjoy peace and tranquility without confrontation, thanks to Abe’s foresight. Abe prioritized international relations and a holistic diplomatic strategy that utilized a global perspective, earning Japan international recognition.
President Lai concluded by noting that even after Abe’s passing, he is still remembered by US President Trump, who hosted his widow, Abe Akie, at Mar-a-Lago. This demonstrates the profound international influence of the former world leader.
AloJapan.com