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Taiwan appoints former head of Japan's SDF as Cabinet adviser NHK

A former top officer of Japan's Self-Defense Forces has been appointed as an adviser to Taiwan's Cabinet.



Informed sources say Iwasaki Shigeru, a former chief of the Joint Staff of the SDF, was appointed this month as a consultant to Taiwan's Legislative Yuan.



In this role, Iwasaki will be expected to offer advice on Taiwan's development. Foreigners are rarely appointed to the position, which is part time and unpaid. Iwasaki is the second Japanese to assume the post after Nozaki Takao, an entrepreneur who resides in southern Taiwan.



Iwasaki became the chief of the SDF's Joint Staff in 2012 after serving as the chief of staff of the Air Self-Defense Force.



The administration of Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te apparently aims to enhance Taiwan's ties with Japan in the field of security by appointing a former senior SDF officer as an adviser.



A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Mao Ning, told a regular briefing on Friday that Japan should act with "extra prudence" over the question of Taiwan. She said Beijing had lodged protests with the Japanese side over the matter.
Summary
Former SDF Chief Iwasaki Shigeru appointed as advisor to Taiwan's Legislative Yuan. Expected to offer advice on Taiwan's development, he is the second Japanese in this role. Appointment seen as an effort by Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te to strengthen ties with Japan, particularly in security.
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ID: e7d6d403-1961-4c59-9b24-c160a81e1941

Category ID: nhk

URL: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20250322_02/

Date: March 22, 2025

Created: 2025/03/22 07:00

Updated: 2025/12/08 05:23

Last Read: 2025/03/22 18:29