Sun, Sep 16, 2001 page3

• Building trust with the Japanese

  Chuang Ming-yao, newly appointed head of the Association of East Asian Relations, is considered central to President Chen Shui-bian's efforts to develop Taiwan-Japan relations. Having served as Taipei's de facto ambassador to Tokyo, Chuang is expected to make use of his contacts to help the government extend its ties with Japan. He spoke with `Taipei Times' reporter Joyce Huang last week about how Taiwan-Japan relations might be improved.

  • /
  • • 
    • 
    • 

  TT: Given that the DPP's connections with Japanese politicians are somewhat distant, how has Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) government responded to the DPP government over the past year?

  Chuang Ming-yao (莊銘耀): President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) has considered Taiwan-Japan relations a priority ever since he came to power. With the LDP in power, Japan's policies [toward Taiwan] remain unchanged while Taiwan continues to bolster its diplomatic interaction with Japan. The numerous visits paid by Japanese parliamentarians and political heavyweights to President Chen show that the LDP greatly values its relations with Taiwan.

  The DPP government has adopted the policy of conducting comprehensive exchanges with the Japanese government, including high-ranking officials, parliamentarians, the private sector, academia and the media. DPP legislators have established channels for dialogue with the younger generation of Japanese parliamentarians, aiming to help enhance mutual understanding and promote ties, which I believe are very constructive.

  

  Newly appointed head of the Association of East Asian Relations, Chuang Ming-yao, speaks with the Taipei Times about Taiwan-Japan relations.

  PHOTO: CHIANG YING-YING, TAIPEI TIMES

  TT: Japan's policies toward Taiwan have been very conservative. What strategies do you think Taiwan can adopt to achieve breakthroughs in bilateral relations? Some observers have said Taiwan should conduct security talks with Japan and seek military cooperation [as a collective defense against China]. How do you think Japan would respond to such a proposal?

  Chuang: Security talks aim to maintain peace and prosperity in Asia, and to further economic development in Asian countries. In Asia, Japan plays a fundamental role in maintaining the region's peace and stability, whereas Taiwan, located in the middle of East Asian sea-lanes, stands at an economic vantage point and outshines other countries in its democratic achievements. It takes collective action for Asian countries to fight against the destruction of maritime trade in the region by such activities as piracy and illegal immigration, recently observed in the South China Sea and the seas around Singapore.

  It's important therefore to promote security dialogue concerning the whole region's security. As Taiwan is Japan's fourth biggest trading partner and Japan is Taiwan's second biggest trading partner and our economic interdependence is gradually increasing, Taiwan's security is a concern for Japan. It's our goal to build mutual contacts and trust with Japan before any security and economic cooperation can proceed.

  TT: Militarily, is it possible for Taiwan and Japan to cooperate in providing training courses or seeking joint maritime defense?

  Chuang: Such cooperation has been proposed by several academic and military strategy research groups. As there are no diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Japan, the proposal to address safety concerns relating to sea-lanes can only be pursued through unofficial channels, that is, second track diplomacy. In lieu of official dialogue, international organizations such as the Committee in Solidarity with the Central American People provide Taiwan with observer status, giving it an opportunity to voice its security concerns [and to propose military cooperation with Japan and other Asian countries]. Also, we hope President Chen can bring the issue to APEC if he can personally attend the leaders' summit next April. Unfortunately, given Chinese pressure, Chen may not be allowed to make the trip.

  TT: It has been reported that US President George W. Bush has endorsed the idea that Taiwan and Japan should form a "silent alliance" (沉默結盟) in the interest of Asian-Pacific security. What role can the US play to promote the idea?

  Chuang: Taiwan's security is important to US and Japanese interests in the region. With their heavy investments in southeast Asia, the US and Japan certainly won't allow any turmoil to take place in the Taiwan Strait, which could jeopardize their commercial interests. As long as Taiwan doesn't intend to provoke China, the US Taiwan Relations Act has stated very clearly that the US will help Taiwan to defend itself [by providing the weapons necessary for it to do so].

  TT: Recently, some Taiwanese legislators have proposed calling for a Japanese version of the Taiwan Relations Act [to be endorsed by the Japanese government]. Do you think this is feasible?

  Chuang: It would be best if Taiwan-Japan relations were ratified in a written act in lieu of diplomatic ties. But it will take a great effort and a change in the political climate to bring about the enactment of such an act. Unlike the US, Japan tends to side with China and has different views from the US. But Taiwan stresses the importance of sharing mutual benefits with Japan if any type of cooperation can be forged militarily, economically or even culturally to safeguard the region's security.

  TT: Former president Lee Teng-hui (李登輝) has tremendous influence in Japanese society. Do you think his former contacts will continue to play an important part in Taiwan-Japan relations?

  Chuang: Lee's April trip to Japan for medical treatment was blessed by the assistance of many official and unofficial groups, including members of Japan's cross-party Sino-Japanese parliamentary friendship association. The association, founded in 1973 by 152 Japanese political heavyweights including Hirokichi Nadao (灘尾弘吉), Okinori Kaya (賀屋興宣), Nobosuke Kisi (岸信介) and Naka Hunada (船田中), has expanded to 212 Japanese parliamentarians.

  It has also exerted the most influence in advancing Taiwan-Japan relations. With the groundwork done by Lee and the former KMT government, it is the DPP government's goal to invite more distinguished figures from Japan's political, business, media and academic circles to enhance our relations with Japan.
• Most Popular

  • 1

    Eurovision Song Contest triggers surge in betting interest

  • 2

    Napoli close in on title despite Parma stalemate

  • 3

    Barcelona crowned champions

  • 4

    Sinner cruises past Ruud, Gauff battles into final

  • 5

    Entertainers questioned amid military service furor