The “extraordinary” media backlash follows the failed July 26 mass recall vote targeting opposition lawmakers, which was initiated by Taiwan’s civil groups but publicly endorsed by Lai’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
Japan’s largest daily the Yomiuri Shimbun published a sharply worded editorial days later, dismissing the legitimacy of the recall campaign and accusing the DPP of trying to “eliminate opposition parties”.
The August 1 article, titled “Taiwan holds recall vote, attempt to exclude opposition rejected”, urged Lai to “heal social rifts through dialogue rather than deepen partisan conflict” while concluding that his administration bore “significant responsibility” for the debacle.
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All 24 opposition Kuomintang lawmakers in Taiwan survive mass recall campaign
All 24 opposition Kuomintang lawmakers in Taiwan survive mass recall campaign
The editorial sent shock waves through Taiwan-watchers in Japan – but more was to follow.
