TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Taiwan plays a key role as a contributor to peace in the Indo-Pacific, Mainland Affairs Council Minister Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正) said Saturday.

He was speaking at the opening of the Abe School of Politics and Economics in Taipei, an initiative discussing the legacy of late Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, CNA reported. Abe launched the concept of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” in 2016.

Chiu said the late prime minister advocated for a region without military threats and coercion, but with respect for freedom, the rule of law, and tolerance. Taiwan played an important role because of its geography, democratic values, trade and technology. 

Even so, the region faces increased threats from authoritarian regimes including China, Russia, and North Korea, the minister added.

Chiu also praised Abe for launching the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. The group has 12 members and accounts for 14.4% of the global gross domestic product, marking a key part of Abe’s legacy, Chiu said.

Taiwan has filed a membership application, but the review has not begun yet.