Japan Ex-MP Aso’s ‘Fight for Taiwan’ Remarks Align With Majority Sentiment, Experts Say

Former Japanese prime minister and current Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) vice president Taro Aso (L) speaks during his meeting with Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen (R) during his visit to Taipei on August 8, 2023. Aso warned a Taipei security forum on August 8 that the international community must "wake up" to the worsening situation surrounding the Taiwan Strait, a hotspot waterway separating the democratic island from China. STR/JIJI Press/AFP via Getty Images

Taro Aso, former Japanese Prime Minister and current vice president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), embarked on a notable visit to Taiwan on Aug. 7 to 9. The visit captured public interest as it is the most significant engagement by a member of Japan’s ruling party with Taiwan.

During his visit, Mr. Aso addressed the audience at the Ketagalan Forum and met with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen.