President Lai Chinge-te (賴清德) oversaw the inauguration of  National Chengchi University's Shinzo Abe Research Center, named after the late Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, on Sunday. Alongside Akie Abe and other relevant officials, Lai recalled Abe as a true friend to Taiwan and a key player in laying the groundwork for the peaceful state of the Indo-Pacific region and its many alliances today.

In a speech at the event, Lai noted that Abe remained a stalwart supporter of Taiwan during his lifetime. From promoting assistance after the 2018 Hualien earthquake to assisting Japan’s donation of more than 4 million COVID-19 vaccines, Lai said Abe always demonstrated his sincere friendship.

The president also recalled Abe’s elevation of Taiwan’s security to a shared Japan-U.S. alliance issue, saying, “Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe took note when Taiwan faced threats from China. He clearly stated that Taiwan’s problems were Japan’s problems as well as a problem for the Japan-U.S. alliance. While the Taiwan-Japan relationship was already deep, Abe’s tireless efforts cemented it into what it is today: a resilient island chain to face natural disasters. A technological island chain to face China’s red supply chain. A democratic island chain to face China’s military threats. With heartfelt gratitude, we thank Mr. Shinzo Abe.”

Taiwan has Abe’s foresight to thank for the peace it now enjoys, the president continued, noting that Abe was the pioneer of the free and open Indo-Pacific region strategy that the U.S. and other countries eventually adopted. This laid the foundation for the U.S.-Japan-India-Australia Quad, a key partnership in curbing China’s expansion in the region.

Akie Abe also spoke, noting that September 21 was not only the debut of the Shinzo Abe research center but also her late husband’s birthday and International Peace Day. She also said Abe placed great importance on Taiwan-Japan relations during his tenure as a Diet member, especially taking to heart the words of former Taiwanese president Lee Teng-hui (李登輝) that “one must not only pursue ideals but also face reality to advance politics.”