Politics

Japan urges maintaining stability in Taiwan on landmark war anniversary

Tokyo, Jun 23 (EFE).- Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida spoke Thursday of the importance of maintaining “peace and stability” in the Taiwan Strait, within the framework of the anniversary of the battle Okinawa during World War II.

“Peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are essential for the peace, stability and prosperity of the international community,” Kishida said. He was asked about a potential contingency on the island territory that could affect the nearby Japanese prefecture of Okinawa, where the bulk of the United States armed forces in the country are stationed.

He said that during his May summit in Tokyo with US President Joe Biden, they agreed to maintain their current position on the island and confirmed their commitment “to promote a peaceful solution” in the face of any friction.

“I think a diplomatic effort, exercising diplomacy between the heads of state of the countries involved (in disputes), is required to maintain peace and stability in the region, in East Asia and the Indo-Pacific,” Kishida added.

The prime minister spoke after attending the event commemorating the 77th anniversary of the end of the Battle of Okinawa, one of the bloodiest of World War II, which lasted about three months and killed more than 200,000 people, mostly civilians, one in four residents.

It is the first ceremony after three years attended by the chief executive, who had reduced its scale due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and a special aspect took place with the commemoration this 2022 of the 50th anniversary of the return of the territory of Okinawa to Japan after the post-war US occupation.

Okinawan authorities have been showing concern about a potential confrontation between Taiwan and China over the sovereignty of the island and the implications that a US intervention would have for Okinawa, given its presence in the territory.

Beijing sees Taipei as an inalienable part of its territory, and the war between Russia and Ukraine has raised concerns about possible similar actions by China in Taiwan.

China has several territorial disputes in the region’s waters, including one with Japan over the Senkaku Islands, administered by Tokyo but claimed by Beijing, which it calls Diaoyu. EFE

mra-yk/lds

Related Articles

Back to top button