TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Yoshihiko Noda (野田佳彥), the former Japanese prime minister, emphasized the global consensus on the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait during the "Ketagalan Forum: 2024 Indo-Pacific Security Dialogue" held in Taipei on Wednesday (Aug. 21).
Noda voiced deep concern over the situation in the Taiwan Strait and firmly opposed any unilateral attempts to alter the status quo through force or coercion. He also pointed out that Taiwan has been excluded from the World Health Assembly (WHA) for eight consecutive years.
Noda stressed that political and diplomatic sensitivities should not interfere with global health and safety management. He further urged the world to learn from Taiwan's effective handling of infectious diseases, from SARS to swine flu, and especially the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, the former Prime Minister reaffirmed his steadfast support for Taiwan's participation as an observer in the World Health Organization (WHO). He also supported Taiwan's bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), hoping for closer economic and trade relations between Japan and Taiwan.
Noda highlighted the strong bond between the Japanese and Taiwanese people, noting the support and assistance Japan has received from Taiwan during natural disasters, including the recent earthquake off the coast of Miyazaki.