July 8, 2022
No. 166
Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, member of the House of Representatives, was shot this morning in the city of Nara. After being rushed to hospital for emergency treatment, he was later pronounced dead. The government and people of Taiwan are profoundly shocked and saddened by this incident. Apart from condemning this unjustified act of violence in the strongest possible terms, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) also expresses Taiwan’s deepest and most heartfelt condolences on the passing of former Prime Minister Abe.
MOFA promptly instructed the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan to send condolences to the Japanese government on behalf of President Tsai Ing-wen, Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu, and Taiwan-Japan Relations Association Chairperson Su Jia-chyuan. The deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies of the government and people of Taiwan were also conveyed through the Taipei Office of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association. It is Taiwan’s sincere wish that former Prime Minister Abe may rest in peace and that his family members may find comfort in their hour of grief.
Former Prime Minister Abe was an internationally acclaimed political leader. He was widely admired for his lifelong dedication to defending the ideals of freedom and democracy and resisting authoritarian expansion. On numerous occasions at international events, former Prime Minister Abe spoke up for Taiwan, urging the international community to support Taiwan and jointly protect democratic values. Former Prime Minister Abe was an invaluable democratic ally and a staunch friend of Taiwan. During his time as Prime Minister, he was committed to promoting friendly ties between Taiwan and Japan. He continued to spare no effort to voice support for Taiwan after he stepped down. For example, at a forum in December 2021, he supported Taiwan by saying, “A Taiwan emergency is an emergency for Japan and also for the Japan-US alliance.” This year, he called on all sides to move away from strategic ambiguity and make it clear that they would defend Taiwan, following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war. The tragic death of former Prime Minister Abe is an immense loss to Japan, Taiwan, and the global community of democracies. The government of Taiwan is eternally grateful to former Prime Minister Abe for his efforts and contributions in advancing Taiwan-Japan relations. （E）