PM Kishida Speaks On Taiwan & Domestic Security

Comments on a number of topics from PM Fumio Kishida hitting wires. On security in Asia: 'What is happening now in Ukraine could happen tomorrow in east Asia, countries must share this view and work together.' On the topic of whether Japan would intervene militarily in a Taiwan conflagration: 'All we can say about Taiwan's situation is that we will comply with constitution, international law, as well as Japan's defence legislation...Peace and stability in the Taiwan strait has implications not only for Japan, but stability of international society.'

• Kishida: 'Important to be in unison with G7 countries that unilateral attempts to change status quo is unacceptable regardless of where in the world it happens....Will continue to call on China for it to take the responsibility it should take as a major country on the world stage'.
• When asked about the pipe bomb attack on his person during a stump speech last week, Kishida states that he 'would like to see election through to the end, think that will show world how Japanese democracy works...believe it important to revisit the state of our security and make preparations so that people can visit Japan without fear.'
• The pipe bomb attack is the second on a PM in recent times following the assassination of former PM Shinzo Abe last year. Japan hosts G7 summit in a month's time and will be keen to present an image of stability and safety to world leaders.