INTERNATIONAL: Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says that the armed encroachment on Taiwan is a major danger to Japan's territory, whether geographically or spatially. A Taiwan emergency is a Japanese emergency, and therefore an emergency for the Japan-U.S. alliance. People in Beijing, President Xi Jinping in particular, should never have a misunderstanding in recognising this.

A stronger Taiwan, a thriving Taiwan, and a Taiwan that guarantees freedom and human rights are also in Japan's interests. It also in the interests of the whole world, the former prime minister has made clear. He also says Japan and the United States could not stand by if China attacks Taiwan, and Beijing needs to understand this, former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Wednesday.

Speaking virtually to a forum organised by Taiwanese think tank at the Institute for National Policy Research, Mr. Abe has noted the Senkaku islands - which China calls the Diaoyu Islands - Sakishima islands and Yonaguni island are a mere 100 kilometres or so away from Taiwan. An armed invasion of Taiwan would be a grave danger to Japan.

Tensions over Chinese-claimed Taiwan have risen as President Xi Jinping seeks to assert his country's sovereignty claims against the democratically ruled island. Taiwan's government says it wants peace, but will defend itself if needed.