Vice President Kamala Harris landed in Japan on Monday on her way to discuss Taiwan’s security issues amid increased aggression from China.
A senior administration official confirmed that Harris and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will discuss a partnership approach to Taiwan’s security situation.
The official also said that Japan’s military strength and partnership would be “welcomed” by Washington, according to Reuters.
The visit comes as many Taiwanese citizens worry that their country could be invaded by China in the coming months. Supporters of Taiwan hope that President Biden provide military aid to defend Taiwan from China.
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Taiwan Consul General James J.K. Lee recently gave an exclusive interview to Fox News, warning about China’s approach to the geopolitical situation.
Lee, who is the director general of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, criticized China for not renouncing its use of force against Taiwan
“The Chinese aggressive, coercive approach measure only strengthens our people’s will to safeguard our democracy and freedom,” Lee said.
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“While Taiwan will do whatever it can to deescalate the tension, we will never surrender our freedom,” he added.
Harris is also planning on attending the funeral of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Tuesday. Abe was shot and killed this summer while campaigning in the Nara prefecture.
The trip marks Vice President Harris’s second visit to Asia since taking office in 2021.
Reuters contributed to this report.
