The Japan Forum for Strategic Studies (JFSS) held its fourth annual “Taiwan Strait Crisis Policy Simulation” wargame from July 12–15, 2024. Taiwan first joined the exercise in 2023, and this year expanded its participation, with retired military generals, defense strategists, and representatives from the Prospect Foundation acting in the role of “Taiwan President.”

As the co-host of the event, the Formosa Republican Association (FRA) invited Legislators Chen Kuan-Ting and Kuo Kuo-Wen to participate as part of its delegation, which was led by FRA Chair Dr. Tommy Lin. The delegation also included Dr. Huang Kuo-Chin, FRA board member; Dr. Lee Ming-Chun, advisor; Mr. Jason Chen, FRA executive director and chairman of Taiwan Ascend Space; and other senior members.

The script for the simulation was derived from widescale analyses and strategic modeling of global geopolitical interactions, as well as the policies of various countries. It imagines a hypothetical crisis scenario: during the 2024 US presidential election, a major earthquake strikes Hokkaido, Japan, and China seizes the opportunity to launch an attack. The exercise proved highly engaging and yielded rich insights for FRA participants.

Participants from Taiwan included Mr. Lai I-Chung, CEO of the Prospect Foundation, in the role of Taiwan president, Mr. Lee Hsi-Ming, Strategic Advisor at Taiwan’s Institute for National Defense and Security Research (INDSR), representing the Taiwanese effort, and Mr. Lin Yen-Hung, Secretary-General of the Taiwan Japan Research Institute.

Other Taiwanese observers included General Huo Shou-Ye, Chairman of INDSR; Dr. Li Ting-Sheng, INDSR Deputy Executive Director; Dr. Chang Chieh, Vice President of National Defense University (NDU); and Dr. Jing Yuan-Chou, Director of NDU’s PLA Studies Division, and two legislators.

Beyond the wargame, the FRA delegation also visited the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, met with Ambassador Shieh Jhy-Wey, and attended a pre-exercise banquet alongside participants from Japan at the Meiji Memorial Hall. Attendees included Former Japanese Defense Minister Onodera Itsunori (who played the role of Japanese Prime Minister in the simulation), Ms. Nagano Reiko, Secretary-General of JSSF, and Dr. Okayama Fumiaki, President of the Taiwan Medical Association in Japan.

Two former US officials participated in the exercise, acting as the US President and National Security Advisor. The US Embassy in Tokyo sent several observers, as did embassies from the UK, Czech Republic, Estonia, Lithuania, Finland, and Australia.

The simulation aimed to test Japan’s crisis response capability in the event of a Taiwan contingency, and to expose potential blind spots in the country’s strategic thinking. US and Taiwanese participants provided insights into how Washington and Taipei might react to a range of Chinese actions—helping Japan better calibrate its governmental decision-making processes.

In both the US and Japan, organizations on all levels–whether it be the government, military, or civil think tanks–remain vigilant of China’s growing threats. Though a Chinese invasion of Taiwan is unlikely, China can still take measures to disrupt and interfere with Taiwan’s economic activities. As such, the US and Japan continue to emphasize the need to deter China’s grey zone tactics and dissuade China from pursuing further actions.

Retired US Marine Corps General Lawrence D. Nicholson stressed the strategic centrality of the Taiwan Strait: it is not only a key international waterway, but also Japan’s lifeline. He asserted that neither the United States, Japan, nor any allied or civilized nation would allow China to violate Taiwan Strait freedoms and turn the area into its private domain. He urged Taiwanese not to use the phrase "both sides of the Strait," emphasizing that the openness and internationalization of the Taiwan Strait are essential to Taiwan's security and prosperity.

The FRA is honored to have co-hosted this significant event and hopes to advocate for future iterations of the “Taiwan Strait Crisis Policy Simulation” to be held alternately in Taiwan and Japan, strengthening regional preparedness and alliance-building.

On May 20, former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, widely recognized as one of Taiwan’s staunchest allies, attended the inauguration of President Lai Ching-te in Taipei. The following day, he met with President Lai and delivered a keynote speech hosted by the Formosa Republican Association (FRA), followed by a forum on his new book. The event took place at the 11th floor International Conference Hall of the Chang Yung-Fa Foundation.

In his address, Pompeo praised Taiwan, recalling his previous visit during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. He expressed deep admiration for Taiwan's resilience and the warmth of its people, and described Taiwan as a free nation led by a capable government. He highlighted how Taiwan successfully integrates both conservative and liberal values, creating a vibrant political environment, a stable society, and a prosperous economy. In a world where radical leftist ideologies often challenge traditional values, Taiwan stands as a model of tradition and modernity coexisting in harmony.

Pompeo emphasized that the United States has not only a legal obligation but a moral duty to help Taiwan strengthen its self-defense capabilities. Such support reflects the US’s commitment to democracy and the principle of self-determination—cornerstones of international law and order. Defending Taiwan, he asserted, is not merely about safeguarding a small island’s democracy; it is about upholding strategic deterrence, international law, economic interests, and global peace and stability.

"If the day comes when China invades Taiwan," Pompeo declared,"We will be there." But he stressed the importance of preventing that day from ever arriving, noting that the cost of war must be made clear to Beijing. As both a former US Secretary of State and an advocate for democratic principles and the rule of law, Pompeo urged proactive deterrence.

The book forum that followed Pompeo's address was moderated by former Ambassador-at-Large and FRA Executive Director Maysing Yang. Joining Pompeo on stage was his former advisor on China policy, Professor Miles Yu. Discussants included FRA President Dr. Tommy Lin, UMC Founder Mr. Robert Tsao, and Legislator Chen Kuan-Ting of the Legislative Yuan’s Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee.

Legislator Chen expressed gratitude for Pompeo's efforts during his tenure, especially regarding his role in easing internal restrictions on US-Taiwan engagement—moves that significantly deepened bilateral relations. Chen commended Pompeo’s deterrence of adversarial powers, defense of US interests, and unwavering stance in defending democratic values. With Taiwan's legislature experiencing intense debate on the same day, Chen said Pompeo’s new book gave him strength to stand firm in defending Taiwan’s national interests. He remarked that he was happy to have the chance to convey directly to Pompeo and to the international community that Taiwan will not retreat in the face of Chinese pressure.

The Japan Forum for Strategic Studies (JFSS) held its fourth annual “Taiwan Strait Crisis Policy Simulation” wargame from July 12–15, 2024. Taiwan first joined the exercise in 2023, and this year expanded its participation, with retired military generals, defense strategists, and representatives from the Prospect Foundation acting in the role of “Taiwan President.”

As the co-host of the event, the Formosa Republican Association (FRA) invited Legislators Chen Kuan-Ting and Kuo Kuo-Wen to participate as part of its delegation, which was led by FRA Chair Dr. Tommy Lin. The delegation also included Dr. Huang Kuo-Chin, FRA board member; Dr. Lee Ming-Chun, advisor; Mr. Jason Chen, FRA executive director and chairman of Taiwan Ascend Space; and other senior members.

The script for the simulation was derived from widescale analyses and strategic modeling of global geopolitical interactions, as well as the policies of various countries. It imagines a hypothetical crisis scenario: during the 2024 US presidential election, a major earthquake strikes Hokkaido, Japan, and China seizes the opportunity to launch an attack. The exercise proved highly engaging and yielded rich insights for FRA participants.

Participants from Taiwan included Mr. Lai I-Chung, CEO of the Prospect Foundation, in the role of Taiwan president, Mr. Lee Hsi-Ming, Strategic Advisor at Taiwan’s Institute for National Defense and Security Research (INDSR), representing the Taiwanese effort, and Mr. Lin Yen-Hung, Secretary-General of the Taiwan Japan Research Institute.

Other Taiwanese observers included General Huo Shou-Ye, Chairman of INDSR; Dr. Li Ting-Sheng, INDSR Deputy Executive Director; Dr. Chang Chieh, Vice President of National Defense University (NDU); and Dr. Jing Yuan-Chou, Director of NDU’s PLA Studies Division, and two legislators.

Beyond the wargame, the FRA delegation also visited the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, met with Ambassador Shieh Jhy-Wey, and attended a pre-exercise banquet alongside participants from Japan at the Meiji Memorial Hall. Attendees included Former Japanese Defense Minister Onodera Itsunori (who played the role of Japanese Prime Minister in the simulation), Ms. Nagano Reiko, Secretary-General of JSSF, and Dr. Okayama Fumiaki, President of the Taiwan Medical Association in Japan.

Two former US officials participated in the exercise, acting as the US President and National Security Advisor. The US Embassy in Tokyo sent several observers, as did embassies from the UK, Czech Republic, Estonia, Lithuania, Finland, and Australia.

The simulation aimed to test Japan’s crisis response capability in the event of a Taiwan contingency, and to expose potential blind spots in the country’s strategic thinking. US and Taiwanese participants provided insights into how Washington and Taipei might react to a range of Chinese actions—helping Japan better calibrate its governmental decision-making processes.

In both the US and Japan, organizations on all levels–whether it be the government, military, or civil think tanks–remain vigilant of China’s growing threats. Though a Chinese invasion of Taiwan is unlikely, China can still take measures to disrupt and interfere with Taiwan’s economic activities. As such, the US and Japan continue to emphasize the need to deter China’s grey zone tactics and dissuade China from pursuing further actions.

Retired US Marine Corps General Lawrence D. Nicholson stressed the strategic centrality of the Taiwan Strait: it is not only a key international waterway, but also Japan’s lifeline. He asserted that neither the United States, Japan, nor any allied or civilized nation would allow China to violate Taiwan Strait freedoms and turn the area into its private domain. He urged Taiwanese not to use the phrase "both sides of the Strait," emphasizing that the openness and internationalization of the Taiwan Strait are essential to Taiwan's security and prosperity.

The FRA is honored to have co-hosted this significant event and hopes to advocate for future iterations of the “Taiwan Strait Crisis Policy Simulation” to be held alternately in Taiwan and Japan, strengthening regional preparedness and alliance-building.

On May 20, former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, widely recognized as one of Taiwan’s staunchest allies, attended the inauguration of President Lai Ching-te in Taipei. The following day, he met with President Lai and delivered a keynote speech hosted by the Formosa Republican Association (FRA), followed by a forum on his new book. The event took place at the 11th floor International Conference Hall of the Chang Yung-Fa Foundation.

In his address, Pompeo praised Taiwan, recalling his previous visit during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. He expressed deep admiration for Taiwan's resilience and the warmth of its people, and described Taiwan as a free nation led by a capable government. He highlighted how Taiwan successfully integrates both conservative and liberal values, creating a vibrant political environment, a stable society, and a prosperous economy. In a world where radical leftist ideologies often challenge traditional values, Taiwan stands as a model of tradition and modernity coexisting in harmony.

Pompeo emphasized that the United States has not only a legal obligation but a moral duty to help Taiwan strengthen its self-defense capabilities. Such support reflects the US’s commitment to democracy and the principle of self-determination—cornerstones of international law and order. Defending Taiwan, he asserted, is not merely about safeguarding a small island’s democracy; it is about upholding strategic deterrence, international law, economic interests, and global peace and stability.

"If the day comes when China invades Taiwan," Pompeo declared,"We will be there." But he stressed the importance of preventing that day from ever arriving, noting that the cost of war must be made clear to Beijing. As both a former US Secretary of State and an advocate for democratic principles and the rule of law, Pompeo urged proactive deterrence.

The book forum that followed Pompeo's address was moderated by former Ambassador-at-Large and FRA Executive Director Maysing Yang. Joining Pompeo on stage was his former advisor on China policy, Professor Miles Yu. Discussants included FRA President Dr. Tommy Lin, UMC Founder Mr. Robert Tsao, and Legislator Chen Kuan-Ting of the Legislative Yuan’s Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee.

Legislator Chen expressed gratitude for Pompeo's efforts during his tenure, especially regarding his role in easing internal restrictions on US-Taiwan engagement—moves that significantly deepened bilateral relations. Chen commended Pompeo’s deterrence of adversarial powers, defense of US interests, and unwavering stance in defending democratic values. With Taiwan's legislature experiencing intense debate on the same day, Chen said Pompeo’s new book gave him strength to stand firm in defending Taiwan’s national interests. He remarked that he was happy to have the chance to convey directly to Pompeo and to the international community that Taiwan will not retreat in the face of Chinese pressure.