Former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso says the willingness to employ force to defend Taiwan should be made clear to adversaries during his address at the Ketagalan Forum. Aso attended the forum, an Indo-Pacific Security Dialogue, on Tuesday during his three-day visit to Taiwan.
Aso said that peace across the Taiwan Strait is a shared responsibility in the region. He said deterrence requires the willingness to employ force and that it is important for opponents to comprehend this stance.
Aso said that in today's circumstances, nations should be ready to display a robust deterrence capability in case of emergencies. He said that beyond actual defensive capabilities, psychological preparedness for war is crucial. Aso continued that should a crisis arise, it might be necessary to employ force to defend Taiwan and maintain security and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
Aso also said that Japan, as a neighbor with close relations with Taiwan, should take the lead in expressing its position and showing its deterrent capabilities to the global community, including China. He also said that Japan plans to increase its defense budget to create an unshakable deterrent force.
Aso reaffirmed Japan's support for Taiwan’s application to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and participation in international organizations such as the World Health Organization and the World Health Assembly.