Constitutional Reform and Taiwan-Japan Relations in the Post-Abe Era

Tony Tai-ting Liu

《Taiwan Strategists》 15期 (2022/09) Pp. 49-63

摘要

The unexpected death of former Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo marked the end of an era in Japan that witnessed the country expending great efforts to maintain its leadership status in the Indo-Pacific. Abe had provided leadership for the nation at a tumultuous time and left behind rich legacies as the longest serving prime minister in Japanese history. The bolstering of Taiwan-Japan relations and constitutional reform leading to an expansion of the contexts to use military force are two legacies that stand out among others. Noting increased tensions in the Taiwan Strait, particularly after U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, the significance of Abe's work needs little elaboration. This article looks back at constitutional reform related to collective security under the Abe government and recent developments in Taiwan-Japan relations, before considering how Japan's security perception of the Taiwan Strait would implicate the development of Taiwan-Japan relations. It suggests that Japan's stance towards developments in the Taiwan Strait is a key factor that will influence the development of relations between Taiwan and Japan in the post-Abe period.

關鍵字

Constitutional Reform ； Collective Security ； Taiwan-Japan Relations ； Taiwan Strait ； Post-Abe Period