In the midst of Beijing increasing pressure on Japan over the Japanese Prime Minister’s statement regarding “Taiwan’s situation,” interactions between high-level officials of Taiwan and Japan continue to escalate. President of Taiwan, Lai Ching-te, met with visiting key figures from Japan’s ruling party, acting Secretary-General of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan, Hagiuda Koichi, at the Presidential Office in Taipei on Monday, December 22. Both sides reached a consensus on further strengthening Japan-Taiwan cooperation, emphasizing the importance of deepening their partnership in the current regional situation.
According to a statement released by the Presidential Office of Taiwan, during the meeting, Lai Ching-te expressed gratitude for Prime Minister Sanae Takichi’s public expressions of support for Taiwan-Japan friendship at various international occasions since taking office, highlighting the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
Lai Ching-te pointed out that the Takichi Cabinet has garnered strong public support in Japan, and Japan is expected to play a more crucial role in peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. He emphasized that only through unity and cooperation among democratic nations can they prevent being divided and collectively defend the values of freedom and democracy, promoting the vision of a “free and open Indo-Pacific.”
Lai Ching-te also stated that Taiwan-Japan relations are at a critical moment of deepening, and both sides should continue to expand exchanges and collaboration in areas such as national strategy, regional cooperation, economic security, high-tech industries, and social resilience to jointly address the increasingly complex regional security challenges.
Hagiuda Koichi mentioned that Taiwan and Japan share universal values such as freedom and democracy, have close economic and trade ties, and frequent people-to-people exchanges, making Taiwan an extremely important cooperative partner for Japan.
He pointed out that the latest polls show Taiwan as the most favored country by Japan, with nearly 80% of Japanese people feeling a sense of closeness towards Taiwan. This friendship stems from years of mutual support and close exchanges, and Taiwan-Japan relations are now seen as the “best in history.” He looks forward to further deepening cooperation based on this foundation.
Using the example of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) Kumamoto Factory, he illustrated the high degree of complementarity and cooperation between the two countries in the semiconductor field. The first phase of the Kumamoto Factory started mass production in December last year, and the second phase officially broke ground in October this year, becoming a representative case of Taiwan-Japan high-tech cooperation.
Hagiuda also mentioned that during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting, Prime Minister Takichi had exchanged views with Taiwan’s leader representative Lin Xinyi on economic and trade, disaster prevention, and other issues, demonstrating that bilateral cooperation is gradually moving towards institutionalization and normalcy.
Hagiuda led a group of local councilors on a visit to Taiwan from the 21st to the 23rd. He also serves as the Secretary-General of the bipartisan Japan-Taiwan Parliamentarians Friendship Association, advocating for deepening exchanges with Taiwan in Japan’s political circles.
The Taiwan-Japan Relations Association stated in a press conference held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs last Tuesday, on the 16th, that in addition to Hagiuda, former Japanese Minister of Justice Suzuki Katsuhiro, former Prime Minister’s aide Nagashima Akio, and others have visited Taiwan since the 22nd. Senator Takinami Hirofumi and others are also scheduled to visit. It is expected that from late December to early next year, approximately 30 Japanese parliamentarians will visit Taiwan, forming a rare “wave of visits” in recent years.
At the press conference, Deputy Secretary-General Lin Yuhui of the association mentioned that the intensive visits by Japanese parliamentarians to Taiwan reflect the long-standing friendly interaction basis between Taiwan and Japan.
As Beijing intensifies pressure on Japan due to Takichi’s responses in parliament regarding “Taiwan’s situation,” it has also reacted strongly. Lin Jian, Deputy Spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that China “firmly opposes” the visits of Japanese legislators to Taiwan and has lodged solemn representations with Japan.
The rising tensions and increasing interactions between Taiwan and Japan amid Beijing’s heightened pressure on Japan reflect the complex dynamics in the region. The deepening of Taiwan-Japan relations and the strengthening cooperation between the two nations in various domains signal a pivotal moment in the strategic landscape of East Asia. The series of exchanges and collaborations between Taiwan and Japan not only enhance their respective interests but also contribute to regional stability and prosperity.