Katayama Kazuyuki: Taiwan is Already Democratized, Future Direction to be Decided by 23 Million People

(Central News Agency reporter Kao Hua-chien, Taipei, 22nd) Katayama Kazuyuki, the representative of the Taipei Office of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, pointed out today that Taiwan has achieved democratization and that the future direction of Taiwan should be decided by its 23 million people. He stressed that the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait are indispensable factors for the prosperity and safety of the international community, including Japan. Katayama noted that his own master's thesis at Harvard University focused on Taiwan's democratization, and he has witnessed Taiwan's transformation into a vibrant democracy. He stated that Japan and Taiwan are 'irreplaceable friends' sharing values of freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Regarding relations with China, he maintained that while neighbors cannot be chosen, Japan and China should seek mutual economic benefits while distinguishing between the Communist Party and the Chinese people. He also highlighted that Taiwan's existence is of life-and-death importance to Japan.