Taiwan's Envoy in Japan Skips Nagasaki Ceremony Over Seating Dispute

WHO:

ABC News - Lee Yi-yang, Taiwan's top economic representative in Japan

AP - Chen Ming-chun, a lower-ranked official from Fukuoka

AP - Shiro Suzuki, Nagasaki Mayor

WHAT:

ABC News - Lee Yi-yang boycotted the memorial marking the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of Nagasaki.

AP - Lee accused Nagasaki officials of being pro-China and insulting Taipei.

AP - Lee stated that seat assignments denied Taiwan’s status as a nation and disregarded its sovereignty and dignity.

AP - The memorial was attended by representatives from 98 countries and three international organizations, including the United Nations, the European Union, and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

AP - The U.S. atomic bombing of Nagasaki killed 70,000 people by the end of 1945.

WHERE:

ABC News - Nagasaki, Japan

AP - Peace Park in Nagasaki

WHEN:

AP - The U.S. atomic bombing of Nagasaki occurred on August 9, 1945.

AP - Japan surrendered on August 15, 1945, ending World War II.

AP - Lee took up his post in Japan in September 2024.

WHY:

AP - Lee boycotted the ceremony due to perceived discrimination in seating arrangements that he felt undermined Taiwan's sovereignty.

AP - Nagasaki officials stated that the seating for Taiwanese officials was not clearly distinguished as diplomatic guests.

HOW:

AP - Lee and two deputies boycotted the ceremony and sent a lower-ranked official instead.

AP - Nagasaki officials explained that the seats for Taiwanese officials were part of a section for foreign attendees from international organizations and envoys who could not fit into a special guests section.

(UPDATED August 10, 2026 16:19 UTC)

Lee Yi-yang, Taiwan's top economic representative in Japan, boycotted the memorial in Nagasaki marking the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing, accusing local officials of being pro-China and insulting Taipei. He claimed that the seating arrangements denied Taiwan's status as a nation and disregarded its sovereignty, while the event was attended by representatives from 98 countries and three international organizations. In response, Nagasaki officials clarified that the seating for Taiwanese officials was part of a section for foreign attendees and not intended to be discriminatory.