On May 20th, Tsai Ing-wen was inaugurated as the President of the Republic of China. A delegation of 31 bipartisan Japanese parliamentarians from the “Japan-Taiwan Legislators’ Consultative Council” attended the ceremony, which was met with protest from the Chinese Communist Party’s ambassador to Japan. Hagiuda Koichi, a member of the Liberal Democratic Party and Secretary-General of the Japan-Taiwan Legislators’ Consultative Council, stated that the legislators from the council who went to Taiwan to attend the ceremony did so voluntarily, and it is not for other countries to intervene in such matters.
The 31 members of the Japan-Taiwan Legislators’ Consultative Council attended the inauguration ceremony of President Tsai Ing-wen and Vice President Lai Ching-te, marking the largest-ever delegation of legislators from Japan to visit Taiwan. President Tsai Ing-wen hosted a banquet on the 20th for the “Japanese Parliamentarians’ Celebration Delegation for the Inauguration of the 16th President and Vice President,” expressing gratitude for the attendance of the Japan-Taiwan Legislators’ Consultative Council at the inauguration ceremony.
President Tsai Ing-wen emphasized the significant contributions of the Japan-Taiwan Legislators’ Consultative Council in fostering friendship and cooperation between Taiwan and Japan since its establishment. As the new government officially begins its operations, President Tsai expressed gratitude for the past support to Taiwan and hoped for continued assistance to enhance mutual benefits between the two countries, aiming for better lives for their peoples.
Keiji Koya, President of the Japan-Taiwan Legislators’ Consultative Council, outlined several resolutions in the Council’s 2024 basic policies. These include continuing the trilateral strategic dialogue among legislators from Japan, the US, and Taiwan; supporting Taiwan’s participation in international organizations such as the WHO; establishing a research group to assist Taiwan in joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP); enhancing economic security cooperation and talent development between Taiwan and Japan; promoting educational trips to Taiwan for students from Japanese local governments and councils; and strengthening cooperation initiatives among female legislators from Taiwan and Japan.
Keiji Koya highlighted how Taiwan promptly offered condolences and substantial donations to Japan during the earthquake in the Noto Peninsula in January, and reciprocally, various sectors in Japan expressed care and assistance during the earthquake in Hualien in April, showcasing the true meaning of “true friendship in times of adversity.” In closing, Keiji Koya extended best wishes for the successful governance of President Tsai and Vice President Lai, expressing the Council’s commitment to fostering closer ties and cooperation between Taiwan and Japan in various fields such as security, industry, and economy.
According to Central News Agency reports, on the evening of the 20th, the Representative Office of the Republic of China in Japan hosted a celebration reception for the inauguration of the 16th President and Vice President of the Republic of China. Hagiuda Koichi, when interviewed, stated that Japan and Taiwan are inseparable friends with shared values, and their decision to attend the ceremony in Taiwan was not subject to interference from other countries.
Representative to Japan from the Republic of China, Steve Hsia, mentioned that both former President Tsai Ing-wen and President Tsai Ing-wen have emphasized the importance of maintaining the status quo, including the peaceful status quo in the Taiwan Strait, which is a common interest of the world. He noted that even though this stance might anger the Chinese Communist Party, Taiwan cannot compromise on this principle.
Steve Hsia mentioned that the visit of a bipartisan delegation of Japanese parliamentarians to the Representative Office demonstrates the acknowledgment of Taiwan’s long-standing efforts and the establishment of a friendship based on trust between the two sides. He stressed the importance of a “cycle of goodness,” highlighting the importance of gratitude and reciprocation even in challenging diplomatic relations, which he hopes can spread globally. He believes that with a population having such sentiments, leadership would find it difficult to resort to war.
The Chinese Embassy in Tokyo held a symposium on the 20th, where the Chinese Ambassador to Japan, Wu Jianghao, strongly opposed the participation of over 30 members of the Japan-Taiwan Legislators’ Consultative Council in President Tsai’s inauguration ceremony.