The All Japan Taiwanese Union yesterday expressed its condolences to Japan after former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was assassinated during an election campaign event in Nara, Japan, on Friday.
Abe won the respect of many international leaders, and Taiwanese regard him as “the most respected and amiable Japanese politician,” the group said in a statement.
Abe showed the world a way forward and was key to international stability, it said, adding that he had urged the world to recognize Taiwan, prompting the US and European countries to begin acknowledging Taiwan’s international importance.
Photo: CNA
Abe will always be with Taiwan and Taiwanese, as he was a real friend, and a reliable and benevolent force backing the nation, it said.
“As Abe has become a thousand winds, Taiwanese will dry their tears, feel the warm breeze and never give up on moving forward,” it added.
The Taiwanese Association of America also expressed its condolences, saying in a statement that Taiwanese living abroad are grateful for the former Japanese leader, who stood up for the nation and the shared the values of freedom, democracy and human rights.
Photo courtesy of the Kaohsiung City Government via CNA
It condemned violence, saying that expressions of grief, regret, anger and sadness are not enough to convey what Taiwanese feel over his death.
Abe always promptly offered substantial and psychological support when Taiwan was in trouble and in need of help, the association said.
US-based Taiwanese would always remember Abe’s statements of encouragement, it said.
It would continue to hold on to Abe’s belief and foster friendships between Taiwan and Japan, as well as between Taiwan and the US, to ensure safety in the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region, the association said, adding that it would join forces with likeminded entities to boost equality, human rights and world peace.
In Taipei, many people placed flowers and left messages of condolence at a temporary memorial wall that was set up by local supporters outside the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, the country’s de facto embassy.
Messages on the wall, written in Chinese, Japanese and English, expressed sadness over Abe’s death and showed support for the friendship between the two countries.
The association said it would today open a site in its basement for people to place flowers and leave messages in tribute to Abe.
It would be open from midday to 5pm today and from 10am to 5pm from tomorrow to Sunday, the association said.
A book of condolences would only be available for messages from dignitaries invited by the association, it added.
Additional reporting by CNA
Hong Kong singer Eason Chan’s (陳奕迅) concerts in Kaohsiung this weekend have been postponed after he was diagnosed with Covid-19 this morning, the organizer said today. Chan’s “FEAR and DREAMS” concert which was scheduled to be held in the coming three days at the Kaohsiung Arena would be rescheduled to May 29, 30 and 31, while the three shows scheduled over the next weekend, from May 23 to 25, would be held as usual, Universal Music said in a statement. Ticket holders can apply for a full refund or attend the postponed concerts with the same seating, the organizer said. Refund arrangements would
Taiwanese indie band Sunset Rollercoaster and South Korean outfit Hyukoh collectively received the most nominations at this year’s Golden Melody Awards, earning a total of seven nods from the jury on Wednesday. The bands collaborated on their 2024 album AAA, which received nominations for best band, best album producer, best album design and best vocal album recording. “Young Man,” a single from the album, earned nominations for song of the year and best music video, while another track, “Antenna,” also received a best music video nomination. Late Hong Kong-American singer Khalil Fong (方大同) was named the jury award winner for his 2024 album
Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr arrived in Taiwan last night to kick off his first visit to the country since beginning his second term earlier this year. After arriving at Taoyuan International Airport at around 6:30 pm, Whipps and his delegation were welcomed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍). Speaking to gathered media, the Palauan leader said he was excited and honored to be back in Taiwan on his first state visit to Taiwan since he was sworn in this January. Among those traveling with Whipps is Minister of State Gustav N. Aitaro, Public Infrastructure
Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) on Friday laid out the Cabinet’s updated policy agenda and recapped the government’s achievements ahead of the one-year anniversary of President William Lai’s (賴清德) inauguration. Cho said the government had made progress across a range of areas, including rebuilding Hualien, cracking down on fraud, improving pedestrian safety and promoting economic growth. “I hope the public will not have the impression that the Cabinet only asked the legislature to reconsider a bunch of legal amendments,” Cho said, calling the moves “necessary” to protect constitutional governance and the public’s interest. The Cabinet would work toward achieving its “1+7” plan, he said. The
RSS