Sat Dec 27 15:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Japanese Lawmakers Visit Taiwan Amidst Regional Tensions, Stress Deterrence

Taipei, Taiwan – A delegation of three Japanese lawmakers, led by former Justice Minister Keisuke Suzuki, concluded a three-day visit to Taiwan this week, emphasizing the importance of bolstering deterrence in the region amid rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait. Suzuki was joined by Akihisa Nagashima, a former special advisor to the Prime Minister, and Junichi Kanda, a former parliamentary secretary for Justice.

The delegation held a press conference at the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association in Taipei on Friday, stating that their visit, planned two months in advance, aimed to strengthen ties between Japan and Taiwan and address the evolving geopolitical landscape.

“We do not want to see a ‘Taiwan emergency’ occur,” Suzuki stated, adding that the delegation engaged in extensive discussions with Taiwanese officials, including President Lai Ching-te, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, and Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an, on ways to enhance deterrence.

Nagashima emphasized that the trip was planned prior to the recent surge in tensions between China and Taiwan, highlighting the ongoing importance of parliamentary exchanges between the two regions despite the lack of formal diplomatic relations. He pointed to the U.S.’s recent National Security Strategy, which underscores the need for enhanced deterrence, and noted that discussions during the visit also touched upon the necessity of bolstering deterrence within the first and second island chains.

Kanda highlighted the significance of economic ties and people-to-people exchanges between Japan and Taiwan in maintaining regional peace and expressed his commitment to continuing these exchanges.

When questioned about potential military cooperation with Taiwan, Suzuki declined to provide specific details due to the sensitivity of the discussions but affirmed the shared commitment to regional peace.

This visit comes as many nations in the region are watching with growing concern, urging peaceful dialogue and respect for international norms.

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