4th Anniversary of Shinzo Abe's Passing: Lai Ruey-long Says Best Memorial is to Inherit His Vision

(Central News Agency, Kaohsiung, July 8) Today marks the fourth anniversary of the passing of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Lai Ruey-long, a legislative member and Kaohsiung mayoral candidate for the Democratic Progressive Party, stated that the best way to commemorate a departed statesman is to inherit his vision. Under the broad perspective pioneered by our predecessors, we have a responsibility to walk more steadily and look further.

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was shot and passed away on July 8, 2022. Lai Ruey-long posted on Facebook today that Abe's statement, "Taiwan's security is Japan's security," should be taken as a cornerstone, standing on the shoulders of those who came before us to see further and do more.

Lai Ruey-long mentioned that the most important lesson Shinzo Abe taught everyone was not to wait for rescue in a predicament, but to actively participate, jointly maintain with like-minded partners, and deepen regional prosperity and peace.

Lai Ruey-long pointed out that current Taiwan and Japan need to look towards more forward-looking fields. This includes deep joint defense in semiconductors and key technologies, joint efforts in information security when facing digital authoritarianism, and even substantive cooperation in jointly addressing climate change and regional energy transition.

Lai Ruey-long stated that the best way to commemorate a departed statesman is not to repeatedly lament his absence, but to inherit his vision and surpass it through the practice of this generation. The future of Taiwan-Japan relations should take Shinzo Abe's core concept for the Indo-Pacific region as a guide, and by enhancing mutual connectivity, jointly pursue economic prosperity, as prosperity is the foundation of peace.

Lai Ruey-long pointed out that under the broad perspective pioneered by our predecessors, "we have a responsibility to walk more steadily and look further, transforming this bond that crosses oceans into the most solid defense line for safeguarding freedom in the Indo-Pacific region."

In addition, the Hongmaogang Baoan Temple in Fengshan District, Kaohsiung City, also held a memorial service for the fourth anniversary of Shinzo Abe's passing today, hoping that by holding a memorial flower-offering event, it will have a positive significance for friendly exchanges between Taiwan and Japan. (Editor: Chang Ya-ching) 1150708

Stand with facts, your every sponsorship is a force to protect press freedom

Download the Central News Agency "One-Stop News" APP to get the latest news in real time

The text, images, and audio on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.