What Does Ishiba Shigeru's Departure Mean for Taiwan?

TaiwanPlus News

Japan's prime minister Ishiba Shigeru has announced his intention to step down. While the move promises a political shake-up for Japan, Taiwan will likely feel the ripple effects.

Transcript

00:00Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru announced his resignation over the weekend.

00:10It comes after the ruling party, the LDP, performed poorly in the country's past two parliamentary elections.

00:18As one of Taiwan's close neighbors, Japan plays a key role in regional peace and stability.

00:24The two countries share robust ties at a time when nearby China is ramping up aggression across the region.

00:31Beijing has threatened to take Taiwan by force.

00:35But under Ishiba, Japan helped keep China at arm's length.

00:38Japan has continued to go forward with some of its decision to deploy long-range military missiles

00:48to areas where it will potentially be considered as crucial for defending against a Chinese attack on Taiwan.

00:58And though a change in leadership is coming for the LDP,

01:02it seems unlikely that the party will shift its Taiwan-friendly policies,

01:06as most of the frontrunners for the party's next leader are also seen as being supportive of the country.

01:12But there's no guarantee Japan's next prime minister will be from the LDP.

01:17On Monday, Taiwan's foreign ministry said that while it won't comment on Japan's domestic affairs,

01:24Ishiba did indeed foster stronger Taiwan-Japan ties.

01:28Taipei says it will continue cooperating with Tokyo in multiple areas.

01:33Preparations are now underway to choose the next head of the LDP.

01:37A change in Japan's leadership is on the horizon, and Taiwan will be keeping a close watch.

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