A Significant Presence at Hiroshima and Nagasaki Commemorations
This year’s commemorations in Japan for the US atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki marked a notable shift from previous years. Among the attendees in both cities was Lee Yi-yang, head of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan, which functions as Taiwan’s de facto embassy in the country. His presence at these events has drawn attention due to its implications on regional dynamics.
At the Nagasaki event on Saturday, Lee was seated alongside representatives from international non-governmental organizations. Taiwanese media reported that this seating arrangement was deemed "inappropriate" and attributed to pressure from Beijing. This incident highlights the delicate balance that Taiwan must maintain in its interactions with Japan, given the complex political landscape involving China.
Lee's attendance is part of a broader strategy by Taiwan to enhance its unofficial ties with Tokyo and elevate its international profile. Analysts suggest that while Beijing may disapprove of such participation, both Beijing and Tokyo are likely to exercise caution to avoid undermining their improving relations.
The significance of Lee's appearance comes shortly after Taiwanese Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung made a rare visit to Japan. During this trip, Lin met with various pro-Taiwan lawmakers in Tokyo, including Sanae Takaichi, a former economic security minister and potential contender for prime minister, and former defense minister Minoru Kihara. This meeting led to swift condemnation from Beijing, which views Taiwan as an integral part of China.
Officially, Japan adheres to the one-China principle, maintaining formal diplomatic relations with Beijing rather than Taipei. However, unofficial ties between Japan and Taiwan remain strong. Zhang Yilun, a research associate at the Washington-based Institute for China-America Studies, noted that Taipei is "testing the waters to gain greater international visibility without formally breaching red lines." He also suggested that Taipei might be seeking to reinforce its ties with America's closest Asian ally to maintain the perception of strong U.S. support.
Recent reports indicated that Washington denied Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te a planned U.S. stopover on his way to South America. The Taiwanese Presidential Office later stated that Lai had no immediate plans for overseas travel. This apparent snub was seen as potentially removing a barrier to a summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump.
Despite this, Lee's interaction with George Glass, the U.S. ambassador to Tokyo, during the Hiroshima event was significant. Lee expressed "the utmost gratitude" to the U.S. for its diplomatic and military support to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. This gesture was viewed as unsettling for Beijing, according to Walter Hatch, a professor of government at Colby College.
Wang Guangtao, an associate professor at the Centre for Japanese Studies at Fudan University, noted that Beijing is likely to see Taipei's participation in the memorials as unacceptable. However, he emphasized that under current conditions, Taiwan's incentives to strengthen ties with Japan outweigh Japan's interest in Taiwan. Wang also highlighted that Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who took office in September, adopts a pragmatic approach to foreign policy, prioritizing Japan's national interests over ideological considerations.
Despite these dynamics, historical grievances, rising nationalism, and territorial disputes over the Diaoyu Islands (Senkakus) continue to strain Sino-Japanese relations. Japan remains cautious about China's growing military activities. Hatch pointed out that Ishiba has attempted to distance himself from pro-Taiwan activities, but Beijing remains vigilant.
Lian Degui from Shanghai International Studies University noted that for Beijing, Lee's presence at the commemorations represents a continuation of the "collusion between Taipei and Tokyo," a recurring point of friction in Sino-Japanese relations. While Beijing may express concerns, it is unlikely to respond strongly, as it prioritizes stable and cooperative relations with Japan.
Zhang emphasized that the Ishiba administration faces domestic pressures and unresolved trade tensions with the U.S., making it less inclined to escalate friction with China. Both Beijing and Tokyo are likely to proceed cautiously, balancing their strategic interests in the region.