Bipartisan Japanese Lawmakers Launch Study Group, Founder Hopes for Japan-Taiwan Diplomatic Restoration in His Lifetime

(Tokyo, June 16, CNA) The 'Diet Members' Association for Considering Peace and Stability in the Taiwan Strait,' a study group composed of Japanese lawmakers, held its founding meeting on the 15th. Kitamura Haruo, a founding member and a member of the Japanese Conservative Party in the House of Councillors, stated, 'I hope to restore diplomatic relations with Taiwan within my lifetime.'

According to the Sankei Shimbun, participants included not only Kitamura but also Nishida Kaoru, a member of the House of Representatives from the Japan Innovation Party; Yamada Yoshihiko, a member of the House of Councillors from the Democratic Party for the People; Yokota Mitsuhiro, a member of the House of Representatives from the Japan Innovation Party; and Ishihira Hei, a member of the House of Councillors from the Japan Innovation Party. The study group currently consists of five members but plans to invite more lawmakers from other parties in the future.

Kitamura explained that the group will hold opinion exchanges and discussion forums with experts and others, aiming to deepen dialogue. These events are expected to occur approximately once a month. The discussions are also intended to serve as recommendations for legislative initiatives by lawmakers.

Kitamura stated, 'Peace in Taiwan is closely linked to peace in Japan. I have emotional ties to Taiwan and want to consider how Japan should engage with Taiwan for the sake of our nation. Through research and policy recommendations, I hope to further promote legislative action by lawmakers.'

In expressing his personal views, Kitamura also commented on Japan's historical relationship with Taiwan: 'The greatest mistake in Japan's diplomatic history was severing diplomatic ties with Taiwan at the time of normalization of relations with China in 1972. I hope to restore diplomatic relations with Taiwan within my lifetime.'

Japan established diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China in 1972, and the United States followed in 1979, severing ties with the Republic of China.

Ishihira, who serves as the group's secretary-general, said during the meeting, 'I was born in China, and as a Japanese Diet member, I am particularly concerned about Taiwan. I also believe that stability and peace in the Taiwan Strait are extremely important for Japan.'

Yamada argued that 'these five members are not necessarily required to push discussions in the same direction,' emphasizing that their views on Taiwan are not entirely aligned. Yamada believes that 'for Japan's future economic revival, relations with Taiwan are becoming increasingly important. We must simultaneously consider Japan's security, how to view Taiwan's security, and how to approach relations with China.'

Nishida stated, 'Thinking about peace is a shared consensus among members. We hope to present relevant demands and recommendations to the government.' Yokota added, 'I decided to join because I can study together with those who have long specialized in China and Taiwan issues—topics that are critically important to Japan.'

Kitamura, Nishida, Yamada, and Ishihira are all relatively junior lawmakers, having been elected one or two times. (Translation: Yang Weijing) 1150616

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