Abe School opens in Taipei, highlighting Taiwan-Japan ties

Taipei, April 25 (CNA) The inaugural Abe School of Politics and Economics opened in Taipei on Saturday, bringing together government officials, scholars and students to examine the legacy of late Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and promote Taiwan-Japan cooperation.

In his opening remarks, Abe Shinzo Research Center director Li Shih-hui (李世暉) said the school had selected 32 participants from more than 60 applicants for the two-day program. The program runs through Sunday and marks the first initiative of its kind dedicated to Abe's political and economic thought.

The school, organized by National Chengchi University's Abe Shinzo Research Center, will emphasize action-oriented leadership inspired by Abe's vision, encouraging participants to contribute to their countries and societies through practical engagement, he said.

Mainland Affairs Council Minister Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正), meanwhile, described Abe as a visionary leader whose "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" strategy has become a guiding framework for regional cooperation.

Chiu said Taiwan plays a key role in the Indo-Pacific amid growing geopolitical challenges, including military expansion and coercion by authoritarian regimes.

The minister called for closer collaboration with like-minded partners such as Japan to safeguard regional stability.

Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi (陳明祺) also underscored the importance of strengthening ties with democratic partners, noting that Taiwan and Japan share values such as freedom, human rights and the rule of law.

Speaking on behalf of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, Naoya Araki said the program's launch was "highly meaningful" amid growing geopolitical uncertainty, expressing hope that participants would help advance Taiwan-Japan ties.

In a recorded message, Japanese lawmaker Koichi Hagiuda of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party said the global order is facing mounting challenges, adding that Abe's vision remains a guiding light.

The Abe Shinzo Research Center, established on Sept. 21, 2025, is the first institution globally dedicated to the study of his policies, diplomatic strategies and economic vision, while also promoting cooperation between Taiwan and Japan in areas such as security and trade.

Looking ahead, Li said the center plans to launch a similar program in Japan in spring 2027, targeting members of Japan's national and local legislatures as participants.