On August 21, 2024, President of the Republic of China, Lai Ching-te, met with the “Overseas Study Group of the Youth Bureau of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan” in the afternoon. During the meeting, President Lai emphasized the close relationship between Taiwan and Japan as a fate-sharing community, both located on the first island chain and facing the challenge of authoritarian expansion. He expressed his hope for continued collaboration between Taiwan, Japan, and other democratic partners to uphold the “democratic protection umbrella.”
President Lai recalled the visit of the Youth Bureau led by Suzuki Takako in April this year. During that visit, Suzuki presented a donation list for earthquake relief in Hualien on behalf of the Liberal Democratic Party to former President Tsai Ing-wen. President Lai expressed his gratitude for the support and assistance in promoting Hualien tourism during the current visit, underscoring the deep friendship and mutual assistance between Taiwan and Japan during challenging times.
This month, Japan experienced a 7.1 magnitude earthquake, prompting concern and support from the people of Taiwan for the affected residents. President Lai highlighted the caring and mutually supportive relationship between Taiwan and Japan as a crucial foundation for bilateral development. He believed in the deepening of the emotional connection between Taiwan and Japan, as expressed by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, which would continue to strengthen moving forward.
President Lai acknowledged the solidarity of Taiwan and Japan in times of adversity, stressing their shared challenge in confronting authoritarian expansion as countries on the front lines of the first island chain. He thanked Prime Minister Fumio Kishida for Japan’s support of Taiwan, emphasizing the significant role of Taiwan’s peace and stability in the global context, as recognized by Kishida on various international platforms.
Looking ahead, President Lai affirmed Taiwan’s commitment to enhancing defense capabilities and boosting economic resilience to ensure national security and regional peace and stability. He called for continued cooperation among democratic partners like Taiwan and Japan to uphold the “democratic protection umbrella,” shielding democratic nations from the threats of authoritarian expansion. President Lai expressed confidence in the potential for Taiwan-Japan cooperation in economic and trade sectors to drive progress for both countries and hoped for Japan’s ongoing support for Taiwan’s accession to the CPTPP for the prosperity and development of the world.
President Lai highlighted the longstanding friendship between the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan and Taiwan, especially emphasizing the essential role played by the youth bureau. From his time as a parliamentarian engaging in exchanges with the Liberal Democratic Party, President Lai expressed his joy in witnessing the vibrant youth bureau representing the flourishing Japan. He concluded by thanking all guests for their visit, encouraging continued efforts in deepening Taiwan-Japan ties to establish a closer partnership.
In her address, Director Suzuki expressed gratitude for the warm welcome received by the study group. She recalled leading the Youth Bureau’s delegation to Taiwan in late April, coinciding with the inauguration of President Tsai on May 20, which marked a historical milestone in Taiwan’s political landscape. Suzuki conveyed her congratulations and admiration once again for President Lai’s presidency.
Suzuki acknowledged the excitement in Japan over Taiwan’s outstanding performance at the Paris Olympics. She commended Taiwan’s government for organizing a grand parade for the Olympic team where athletes interacted with the public, experiencing firsthand the warm cheers and gratitude from the people.
She highlighted the respect and dignity that every individual in Taiwanese society receives, a testament to democracy reflected in people’s daily lives. Suzuki praised President Lai for promptly extending congratulations and blessings to Taiwanese athletes upon receiving awards abroad, showcasing his role as a national leader – a practice that Japan’s government and the Liberal Democratic Party’s youth bureau can learn from. Suzuki expressed her appreciation for President Lai’s recent article thanking Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and took the opportunity to thank Representative Shen Chang-ting for his eight years of efforts in Japan. She also looked forward to close cooperation with the newly appointed representative, Li Yi-yang.
Members of the visiting delegation also included Japanese Senators Fujii Kazuhiro, Tomono Rio, Ochi Toshiyuki, Kamiya Masayuki, Nagai Manabu, as well as Members of the House of Representatives Kaneko Shunpei, Yamamoto Sakon, and the Taipei Office Representative of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, Kawai Kazuyuki. They were accompanied by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Tanaka Hikaru and Secretary-General of the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association Fan Chen-guo, visiting President Lai at the Presidential Office, with Secretary-General Pan Meng-an also in attendance.