Pro-localization groups expressed regret that the Interchange Association, Japan, did not invite them to attend the recent commemoration of the first anniversary of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan last year, accusing the association of politicizing something that is supposed to transcend politics.
The Interchange Association, Japan, which represents Japan in the absence of bilateral diplomatic relations, on Monday held a commemoration in Taipei to express its gratitude to the Taiwanese for their generous post-quake donations and assistance.
Several people attended the evening event, including President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九), who doubles as chairman of the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT). Pro-localization groups were not invited to the commemoration.
“A memorial event like this should not be associated with political colors,” Taiwan Friends Association president Huang Kun-hu (黃崑虎) said on Tuesday.
Huang said that shortly after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, which he added could be deemed an unprecedented catastrophe, substantial assistance was sent by people around the globe, including the Taiwan Friends Association, which not only sent donations to the tragedy-stricken country, but also delivered humanitarian aid to the affected areas.
“It was the common compassion shared by all humans that resulted in such worldwide contributions, not politics,” he said. “So the handling of the event by the Japan Interchange Association was utterly unacceptable.”
He said the Interchange Association, Japan, should not intentionally leave out pro-localization groups due to political concerns, for such dealings did not tally with the original intention, which was the Japanese government’s desire to express its gratitude to Taiwan for its post-quake aid.
Huang said pro-localization groups have placed a great importance on their friendly relations with Japan, but ever since the swearing-in of the current Japanese representative to Taiwan Tadashi Imai in 2010, the Interchange Association, Japan, has barely had any contacts with pro-localization groups.
With its disputed handling of the commemoration this week, questions have been raised about Imai, as to whether he only associates with government officials and disregards other voices.
Taiwan Nation Alliance convener Yao Chia-wen (姚嘉文) said Ma’s “pro-China and anti-Japan” stance could be seen from his handling of the debatable issue of fishing rights near the Diaoyutai Islands (釣魚台).
Communication between civic groups and Japanese government is therefore vital in the maintenance of friendly Japan-Taiwan relations, Yao said, so the Japan Interchange Association would be well advised not to neglect pro-localization groups.
Translated by Stacy Hsu, staff writer
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