Closer albeit ‘unofficial’ ties between Tokyo and Taipei will have an impact on decisions in Beijing and Washington.

The News Lens
Date: 2016/10/27
By: Lauren Dickey

If there is one issue leaders in Taipei and Tokyo can find common ground on, it is

Photo Credit: 蔡英文

China’s destabilizing and assertive behavior. Beyond the impact of Chinese actions within the region, both Taiwan and Japan also share an economic dependency upon the mainland Chinese market. United by a common perception of the Chinese threat and geostrategic vulnerability, Taiwan has thus sought relations with Japan that are in many ways unofficial in name only. [1] Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen’s (蔡英文) administration recently passed its first one hundred days in office. The months and years ahead offer many opportunities for Taiwan to continue to deepen ties with Tokyo, addressing existing sources of tension while developing more robust defense, economic, and law enforcement cooperation. A closer Taiwan-Japan partnership would further contribute to the U.S.-led regional alliance structure, a strategic objective that is in the national interest of both Taipei and Tokyo.    [FULL  STORY]