TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan has taken a bold diplomatic step by appointing Shigeru Iwasaki (岩崎茂), the former chief of staff for Japan's Self-Defense Forces, as an official policy adviser to the Executive Yuan (行政院). A high-ranking government source confirmed the appointment on Friday (March 21), describing it as a watershed moment in the evolving security relationship between Taiwan and Japan. The unprecedented selection of such a distinguished Japanese military figure signals Taiwan's strategic determination to forge stronger defense partnerships amid escalating regional tensions and underscores the growing importance of Taiwan-Japan security collaboration in East Asia's complex geopolitical landscape.
Japan's influential Asahi Shimbun (朝日新聞) characterized the appointment as a calculated move by Taiwan to deepen its security partnership with Japan, while acknowledging the likely negative reaction from Beijing. According to the publication, Iwasaki will serve in this advisory capacity for a one-year term, providing Taiwan with access to his extensive expertise in defense strategy and regional security architecture. The timing of this appointment aligns with Taiwan's broader diplomatic initiatives to strengthen relationships with democratic partners as it navigates an increasingly complex security environment in the Indo-Pacific region.
Iwasaki brings formidable credentials to his new role, having led Japan's Joint Staff as chief of staff during a critical period from January 2012 through October 2014. His post-military career has featured several prestigious advisory positions, most notably as a policy consultant to Japan's Minister of Defense, where he helped shape the country's evolving security posture. The Japanese government formally recognized his lifetime of service in 2023 by bestowing upon him the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold and Silver Star, one of the nation's highest honors. Iwasaki's extensive network and influence extend beyond military circles into Japan's political establishment and business community, providing Taiwan with potential access to multiple spheres of Japanese influence.
Prominent Japanese journalist Akio Yaita (矢板明夫) revealed through social media that he had shared a meal with Iwasaki just one day before the official announcement. In his post, Yaita emphasized the historical significance of Taiwan securing the counsel of such a senior former Japanese defense official. The journalist contextualized the appointment within the framework of the longstanding cultural and historical connections between Taiwan and Japan, suggesting that this formal advisory relationship represents a natural evolution of ties between the two democratic neighbors rather than a radical departure in bilateral relations.
