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In Taiwan, Shinzo Abe’s death means loss of steadfast supporter
- The former Japanese prime minister was a vocal advocate of the island’s security and interests
- A Taiwan contingency is a contingency for Japan, he argued
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In the death of former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe, Taiwan has lost a staunch supporter who time and again spoke of the importance of the self-ruled island to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Abe was seen as Japan’s most pro-Taiwanese leader and his shooting shocked the island, with the public and rival politicians alike condemning the act.
On Friday, the skyscraper Taipei 101 was lit up with messages paying tribute to Abe. Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen also ordered government bodies and public schools to fly flags at half-mast on Monday in remembrance of the late leader.
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Abe was shot twice in the back on Friday by a 41-year-old male suspect brandishing a home-made shotgun, according to Japanese media reports.
He had been campaigning on the street in the city of Nara for the Diet’s upper house elections scheduled for July 10.
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Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s death shocks Japan and world
Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s death shocks Japan and world
Taiwanese leaders, including Tsai, Premier Su Tseng-chang, and former leader Ma Ying-jeou, condemned the act and offered their condolences to his family.
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