President Lai Ching-te of Taiwan recently met with former Japanese Prime Minister Noda Yoshihiko to discuss ways to strengthen the partnership between their two countries. During their meeting, President Lai urged Japan to sign a bilateral economic partnership agreement with Taiwan in order to deepen economic and trade relations. He emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation between Taiwan and Japan to benefit both nations.
Taiwan-Japan Economic Partnership
President Lai highlighted the significance of a bilateral economic partnership agreement between Taiwan and Japan. Such an agreement would not only boost economic growth and trade between the two countries but also strengthen their overall relationship. President Lai’s call for closer economic ties reflects Taiwan’s commitment to fostering strong partnerships with like-minded nations in the region.
Defense and Security Cooperation
In addition to economic cooperation, President Lai emphasized the importance of collaboration in defense and security between Taiwan and Japan. He expressed Taiwan’s commitment to enhancing its national defense capabilities and working with Japan to jointly safeguard regional and global peace and stability. This mutual commitment to security cooperation underscores the deep bond and strategic partnership between Taiwan and Japan.
Gratitude and Mutual Support
President Lai expressed gratitude to Japan for its support during times of need, such as the Great East Japan Earthquake and the COVID-19 pandemic. He acknowledged Japan’s donation of millions of vaccine doses to Taiwan, which helped the country overcome the challenges posed by the pandemic. President Lai also mentioned Japan’s assistance following the Hualien earthquake in Taiwan, highlighting the strong bond of friendship and support between the two nations.
During the public meeting, President Lai welcomed former Prime Minister Noda and his delegation, who were guest speakers at the “Kaidagelan Forum.” He noted that he had previously met with former Noda during his visit to Japan in May 2019 and was pleased to have the opportunity to exchange views once again. President Lai emphasized the importance of continued dialogue and collaboration between Taiwan and Japan across various areas of mutual interest.
President Lai reiterated Taiwan’s support for Japan’s efforts to strengthen its self-defense capabilities and enhance cooperation with other countries. He commended Japan’s commitment to building a multi-layered, networked regional defense system to maintain the international order in the face of authoritarian expansion. President Lai expressed gratitude to Japan for its attention to and support for the security of the Taiwan Strait, emphasizing the shared commitment to regional stability.
In conclusion, President Lai’s meeting with former Prime Minister Noda underscored the deep bond and strategic partnership between Taiwan and Japan. The call for a bilateral economic partnership agreement reflects Taiwan’s commitment to enhancing economic cooperation with Japan. Additionally, the mutual commitment to defense and security cooperation highlights the shared dedication to safeguarding regional and global peace. Taiwan and Japan’s collaborative efforts demonstrate a strong partnership built on mutual respect, support, and shared values.