“It is not enough to spend money and just having defense capabilities. It is important to make clear to the opponent that we will use those capabilities for the defense of Taiwan, for the stability of the Taiwan Strait. That becomes deterrence”

Aso also remarked, “Never has there been a time” when nations like Japan, Taiwan, and the U.S. have needed such resolve.

Since U.S. Speaker Nancy Pelosi‘s visit to Taiwan last year, China’s aggressive actions towards Taiwan have intensified. Aso stressed the importance of not just investing in defense but also showing the intent to use it for Taiwan’s defense.

Drawing a parallel, he cited the Falklands War, where the U.K.’s unclear signaling led to conflict. Aso warned of an impending “time of emergency” and urged like-minded countries to unite.

Photo by Tom Wang on Shutterstock

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