Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida took to social media on Friday to express his strong belief in the importance of the relationship between Japan and Taiwan. Describing Taiwan as “an extremely important partner” for Japan, Kishida’s remarks come as he prepares to step down as leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) after announcing earlier in the week that he would not seek re-election.
President Lai Ching-te of Taiwan had previously thanked Kishida for his support of Taiwan and his efforts to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. In response, Kishida acknowledged the warm support from Taiwan and highlighted the shared fundamental values between the two nations, including freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. He expressed his belief in the deepening emotional bond, or “kizuna,” between Japan and Taiwan in the future.
Kishida’s decision to not run for LDP president next month will also result in his resignation as prime minister, marking the end of his nearly three-year tenure. Despite facing challenges and political scandals within the LDP, Kishida has been credited with strengthening Taiwan-Japan relations during his time in office.
In a tweet, President Lai expressed hope for further cooperation between Taiwan and Japan on global challenges and mutual prosperity. This sentiment was echoed by a delegation of over 70 members from the LDP’s youth division, led by Japanese Representative Takako Suzuki, who arrived in Taiwan for a five-day visit. The delegation includes eight House of Representatives members and young LDP members from various regions in Japan, showcasing the commitment to fostering stronger ties between the two nations.
Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the appointment of Lee Yi-yang as the new representative to Japan. Lee emphasized his focus on enhancing bilateral cooperation in security, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence (AI) during his term. Noting recent investments by Taiwanese semiconductor companies in Japan, Lee highlighted Japan’s leadership in certain semiconductor and AI technologies, crucial for Taiwan’s high-tech industry.
Lee also expressed gratitude for Japan’s strong stance on peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, a position supported by many countries around the world. He emphasized the importance of maintaining cross-strait peace and stability for economic prosperity, especially as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) plays a significant role in global chip production. Any disruptions to this supply chain could have far-reaching implications for the global economy.
In addition, Lee underscored the importance of exchanging security information with Japan and the United States to ensure the continued stability of the region. The recent US plan to upgrade the US Forces Japan command into a joint force headquarters with Japan is seen as a positive development that will enhance coordination and security efforts in the region.
Overall, the strengthening ties between Japan and Taiwan under Kishida’s leadership and the ongoing efforts to deepen cooperation between the two nations signal a positive trajectory for bilateral relations in the future. With a focus on shared values, mutual prosperity, and security cooperation, Japan and Taiwan are poised to further strengthen their partnership for the benefit of both countries and the wider region.