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Aso stresses need to show resolve
Visiting former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso says he believes the best way to deter a Chinese invasion of Taiwan is for Japan, the US and other like-minded countries to make it clear to Beijing that they would be willing to defend Taiwan militarily.
During his keynote address at the Ketagalan Forum in Taipei, Aso reiterated that Japan and other G7 countries seek peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and that China and Taiwan should resolve their differences through peaceful means.
He also touched on trade and other issues during his address -- saying Japan supports Taiwan's bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, as well as Taiwan's participation in international organisations.
Ao says he also believes "Taiwan can play a very important role by sharing its experiences with the world." The former Japanese prime minister concluded his address by saying that as Taiwan prepares to elect a new president, it's his hope that whoever wins will continue to share the same core values with his country and "fight alongside Japan against external pressures."
Aso's comments on support for Taiwan came after President Tsai Ing-wen told the forum Taiwan was ready to defend itself against outside aggression.
