Global reaction to killing of Japan’s former PM Abe

Former prime minister Shinzo Abe, Japan’s longest-serving leader, died on Friday, July 8, after being shot while campaigning for a parliamentary election.

Here are some reactions so far:

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen

“Not only has the international community lost an important leader, but Taiwan has also lost an important and close friend. Taiwan and Japan are both democratic countries with the rule of law, and our government severely condemns violent and illegal acts,” Tsai said in a statement released by her office.

South Korea President Yoon Suk-yeol

“I send my condolences to the bereaved families and Japanese people who have lost the longest-serving prime minister and respected politician in Japan’s constitutional history,” Yoon was quoted as saying in a statement delivered by the presidential office.

Yoon added that the shooting was “an unforgivable act of crime.”

Chinese President Xi Jinping

“I deeply regret his sudden death. I once reached important consensus with him on building China-Japan relations.”

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki

“I am deeply shocked by the news of the assassination of @AbeShinzo,” he wrote on Twitter. “My thoughts are with the family of our Japanese friend who was always very kind to Poland. May he Rest In Peace.”

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson

“Incredibly sad news about Shinzo Abe,” Johnson said on Twitter. “His global leadership through unchartered times will be remembered by many. My thoughts are with his family, friends and the Japanese people.”

“The UK stands with you at this dark and sad time.”

US President Joe Biden

“I am stunned, outraged, and deeply saddened by the news that my friend Abe Shinzo, former Prime Minister of Japan, was shot and killed. He was a champion of the friendship between our people.

“The United States stands with Japan in this moment of grief.”

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“On behalf of the Philippine Government and the Filipino people, among whom he counts many friends and admirers, I offer my most profound sympathies to his family and the entire Japanese nation.

“Mr. Abe was a visionary leader who saw Japan through its most difficult times. He was a devoted friend and a supporter of the Philippines, and it was during his leadership that the Philippine-Japan relations truly flourished.

“The decisive and effective assistance he extended to the Philippines and the warmth he demonstrated in the numerous visits he made to our country will never be forgotten, and will be written as one of the most exceptional periods in our bilateral history.

“I earnestly hope and pray for strength for the Japanese nation during this time of mourning.”

Britain’s Queen Elizabeth

Queen Elizabeth said she was “deeply saddened” by the death of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

“My family and I were deeply saddened to hear the news of the sudden and tragic death of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe,” said the 96-year-old monarch, who added she had fond memories of meeting Abe and his wife during their 2016 visit to Britain.

“I wish to convey my deepest sympathy and condolences to his family and to the people of Japan at this difficult time.”

International Atomic Energy Agency Chief Rafael Grossi

“Deeply saddened by the tragic death of Japanese former prime minister @AbeShinzo. I was honored to meet him and work with him on important issues for Japan. My condolences to his family, may he rest in peace.”

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“The tragic death of former Japanese prime minister Abe Shinzo is devastating news…Mr Abe was one of Australia’s closest friends on the world stage…. Under his leadership Japan emerged as one of Australia’s most like-minded partners in Asia – a legacy that endures today.

“Mr Abe was a leader in the Indo-Pacific, championing a vision of a free and open region. The Quad and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership are in many ways the results of his diplomatic leadership.

“Mr Abe was also a giant on the world stage – a leader in the G7, the G20 and the United Nations. His legacy was one of global impact, and a profound and positive one for Australia.”

Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte

“His death is a shocking tragedy that exposes the dark side of humanity.

“The world lost a great leader.

“He was a strong ally and a friend of the Philippines, and the immensity of his love and kindness for the Filipinos has been demonstrated many times over through Japan’s support for our growth and development.”

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte

“It is with deep regret and profound sadness that I learned of the untimely demise of my dear friend, former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

“I extend my sincerest condolences to his wife, Madame Akie, and family on this tragedy. I also join the Japanese People in mourning his loss and in condemning the senseless act of violence.

“During my presidency, former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was not just the first foreign leader to visit the Philippines after my election but was also the only foreign leader to visit my home in Davao City. For this, I will always hold him close to my heart and cherish the moments we have shared together.

“It is my hope that, as we remember his legacy, we will continue to learn and draw from his dedication to duty and remarkable leadership moving forward.”

Germany

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said he was “stunned and deeply saddened” by news that former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe died on Friday hours after he was shot while campaigning for a parliamentary election.

“We stand closely by Japan’s side even in these difficult hours,” Scholz tweeted, expressing his deepest sympathy to Abe’s family.

France

France expressed its full solidarity with Japan after the killing of former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe, the French Foreign Affairs Ministry said.

– Rappler.com