Taiwanese legislator Chen Guanting, also the Youth Director of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), led over 30 members of the party’s Youth Bureau along with more than 70 members led by Japanese Liberal Democratic Party Youth Bureau Director Nakane Yasutaka to engage in a historic large-scale exchange meeting today (August 19th), aiming to forge a new chapter of cooperation between the youth of Taiwan and Japan.
During his speech, Taiwanese legislator Chen Guanting mentioned wearing a tie gifted to him by a Japanese senator during his internship at the Japanese parliament 13 years ago, symbolizing his intention to bring the experiences and emotions learned in Japan back to serve in the Taiwanese parliament. He recalled his internship in Japan in the post-2011 Great East Japan Earthquake era and the admiration he developed for Japanese politicians’ dedication to policymaking and national planning.
Chen Guanting stressed, “Although our lands are not physically connected, we are connected by the ocean. Taiwan and Japan should join hands as equals to face various challenges in the future.”
Nakane Yasutaka stated that leading over 70 members from various regions of Japan to visit Taiwan for exchanges with more than 30 youth leaders of the DPP was an unprecedented and historic significant moment in fostering bilateral cooperation between the youth of both nations.
Notably, Nakane Yasutaka highlighted the vibrant presence of female members in the DPP Youth Bureau, considering them as a source of inspiration for the Japanese parliament to learn from. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the youth of both countries, citing common issues that Japan and Taiwan share and the essential role that the youth play in initiating actions for change.
During the meeting, substantial exchanges took place on various critical topics. DPP Executive Deputy Director Huang Jie mentioned the significant political changes both Taiwan and Japan had undergone in a mere three months, including the recent elections in Japan and political shifts in Taiwan. She stressed the crucial role that the youth generation plays in the confrontation, conflict, and compromise between ruling and opposition parties.
Regarding youth participation in politics, DPP Executive Deputy Director Shen Boyang analyzed the evolution of youth involvement in Taiwanese politics, ranging from student dissent during the party-free era to the peak of the Sunflower Movement and the current challenges they face.
Shen Boyang pointed out that nowadays, young people engage in politics through social media, but there may also be populist issues, a common dilemma faced by both countries. Regarding the connection between international and domestic issues, he mentioned efforts to link international issues like tariffs, fake news, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with domestic livelihood to help the public understand the practical impact of international affairs on daily life.
Taichung City Councilor Huang Shouda shared views on countering the wave of globalization and populism, stressing the need for proactive leadership from the ruling parties in Taiwan and Japan to drive societal progress. He expressed confidence in the quality of citizens in both nations and emphasized the importance of Taiwan and Japan becoming central figures on the East Asian and global stage, proposing the establishment of a “Taichung City Council DPP Taiwan-Japan Friendship Network” to deepen local exchanges.
On defense issues, the Japanese side expressed concerns about Taiwan’s conscription system and reserve military training. Shen Boyang explained that the key to Taiwan’s military reform lies in the transformation of the mental training of soldiers, shifting their focus from a possible anti-Taiwan Independence stance to a genuine deterrent against aggression.
New Taipei City Councilor Lin Bingyou added that Taiwan promotes a “whole-society resilience” policy, categorizing reserve personnel into combat and societal resilience maintenance groups, fostering societal participation to build resilience against challenges.
Regarding cultural soft power, Changhua County Councilor Huang Bayu inquired about how Japan disseminates local culture worldwide to become the most favorably viewed country. The Japanese representatives mentioned the government’s recognition of cultural importance and its shift from passive waiting for foreign interest to active overseas promotion, ensuring budgetary support for cultural output.
Discussing the issue of women in politics and balancing childcare, a Japanese councilor from Osaka Prefecture shared her experience raising five-year-old twins and queried how female political figures in Taiwan manage the balance between childcare and political activities, especially amidst frequent social engagements.
DPP Youth Deputy Director Zhang Yalin responded by emphasizing her role as a mother of three children, understanding the dilemma well and adjusting her schedule flexibly to spend time with her children. She highlighted the unique understanding of family needs that female political figures possess, with their political influence gradually growing in Taiwan.
Zhang Yalin further expressed concerns about the effectiveness of Japan’s newly established “Ministry for Families and Children” in 2023, hoping for more exchanges on the declining birth rate issue. Nakane Yasutaka responded by stating the agency’s dedication to creating a societal environment supporting childcare, focusing on reducing economic and emotional burdens and encouraging fatherly involvement in childcare.
DPP Youth Executive Deputy Director Wu Peiyi proposed specific cooperation suggestions, aiming for regular exchanges between the two sides on national security, energy, social education, disaster prevention, aging population, declining birth rate, and labor issues, envisioning a future decade-long cooperation plan for Taiwan and Japan. She also mentioned the existing five-year collaboration between Taiwan and Japan in disaster prevention technology and the potential for maintaining such exchanges through online conferences, social media connections, and diverse means.
Chen Guanting concluded the exchange meeting, emphasizing that it not only involved central-level legislators but also local councilors from various counties and cities such as Osaka Prefecture and Taichung City, all expressing a desire to deepen local exchanges. This historic large-scale exchange signifies the determination of Taiwanese and Japanese youth to work together. Both sides are committed to enhancing exchanges at all levels and contributing to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.