(Central News Agency reporter Dai Yazhen's special report in Tokyo on the 30th) "Sankei Shimbun" exclusively reported today that the Taipei office-related facilities of Japan's window to Taiwan, "Japan Taiwan Exchange Association," have installed a Japanese-made underground nuclear shelter. When asked by Sankei Shimbun, the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association said, "This matter involves facility security and other matters, so it is difficult to answer."
The report pointed out that it is quite rare for Japan to establish domestically produced nuclear shelters overseas. It is considered to be in response to the rising tension in the Taiwan Strait to strengthen crisis management and personnel safety in the event of "an emergency in Taiwan."
The report pointed out that the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association is a non-governmental organization established after Japan severed diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Since Japan and Taiwan do not have formal diplomatic relations, the association's Taipei office actually assumes the functions equivalent to an embassy, responsible for consular services such as visa issuance, as well as economic, cultural and personnel exchanges and other exchanges. The Taipei office representative has the status of an ambassador and is usually a retired Japanese Foreign Ministry official.
Relevant sources revealed that the underground nuclear shelter was set up this spring and was produced by Tokyo-based shelter manufacturer World Net International. It can withstand nuclear, biological and chemical weapons (NBC) attacks. The shelter is equipped with special ventilation equipment that can filter radioactive materials and other harmful substances, and is equipped with explosion-proof doors that can withstand explosion impact and shock waves, and are also earthquake-resistant.
Nuclear shelters were mainly popularized in Europe during the Cold War. Countries including Finland, which faced military threats from the former Soviet Union, and Switzerland, which pursued a policy of permanent neutrality, built related facilities on a large scale.
In comparison, the penetration rate of nuclear shelters in Japan has always been low. In recent years, World Net International has developed and manufactured related products by itself, drawing on the technology and experience accumulated in Europe. It has sold more than 80 shelters to individuals and companies in Japan. Outsiders believe that the company's manufacturing and sales experience is an important reason for obtaining overseas orders this time.
China has continued to increase military pressure on Taiwan in recent years. In December last year, the Communist Army held a military exercise around Taiwan, and the Rocket Force, which is in charge of nuclear weapons and missile forces, also participated in the deployment. In July this year, China conducted another submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) launch test to demonstrate its nuclear deterrence capabilities against the United States. In addition, although China has repeatedly claimed that it will do its best to strive for peaceful reunification across the Taiwan Strait, it has never given up the use of force against Taiwan.
The report pointed out that the establishment of nuclear shelters at relevant facilities of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association shows that Japan is working to improve its response capabilities in the event of emergencies in the Taiwan Strait. However, since the facility may involve sensitive safety and security information, the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association said when asked by Sankei Shimbun, "This matter involves facility security and other matters, so it is inconvenient to answer."
Manufacturer World Net International also said it had "nothing to say" about the case. (Editor: Chen Chenggong) 1150830
