Summary
Several Taiwan-based groups organised forums and panel discussions in Taipei, Taichung and other cities on 15 August to voice opposition to the expansion of Japan's 'new militarism'. The events were hosted by Wang Yong, chairman of the Alliance Party, who said Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae had previously stated that a 'Taiwan contingency' could constitute a 'survival-threatening situation' permitting Japan to exercise collective self-defence, hinting at possible military intervention in the Taiwan Strait. Katsuya Kō, professor emeritus at Japan's Yamaguchi University, urged Japan to confront its historical responsibilities.
Wu Rong-yuan, chairman of the Labour Party, said Japan's invasion of China had caused more than 35 million Chinese military and civilian casualties. Participants called on compatriots on both sides of the strait to jointly curb Japan's right-wing expansionist ambitions and safeguard peace in the Taiwan Strait.
Commentary
Rising security concerns in the Taiwan Strait, heightened by Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae's recent remarks on Taiwan, are adding to regional uncertainty. Roughly one-third of global container traffic transits the strait, and elevated risk could lift shipping insurance premiums. For New Zealand exporters shipping dairy and meat to China, the route is critical; rerouting via Southeast Asia could add several hundred NZ dollars per container.
Importers of Japanese cars and parts could face supply disruptions, making it prudent to lock in long-term contracts early. With China New Zealand's largest trading partner and Japan fourth, businesses may want to assess Southeast Asian transshipment options under the RCEP framework to reduce geopolitical exposure.
Keywords: Taiwan groups, Japanese militarism, Taiwan Strait security, Takaichi Sanae, peace constitution, remilitarisation, compatriots on both sides of the strait, anti-Japanese martyrs, historical lessons, maintaining peace
Source: China.org.cn
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