President Lai Ching-te said May 1 that Taiwan is committed to deepening cooperation with Japan in areas spanning art, culture, defense, education, economy and sport to further advance bilateral ties.
Lai made the remarks while meeting with a Japanese delegation of the Youth Division of the Liberal Democratic Party at the Presidential Office in Taipei City. Led by the division’s director Yasutaka Nakasone, who is also a member of the Japanese House of Representatives, the group comprises other representatives, senators and members of the Junior Chamber International Japan.
Peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region are critical to global security and prosperity, Lai said, suggesting that the two sides should conduct further exchange to facilitate the goals. He took the opportunity to thank Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and his predecessors Fumio Kishida and Shinzo Abe for their staunch support for cross-strait peace while speaking on international platforms.
Taiwan and Japan can enjoy further collaboration to boost the economy, Lai said. He cited the semiconductor sector as an example where Taiwan’s strengths in manufacturing complement Japan’s advantages in materials, equipment and technology.
In response, Nakasone anticipated that the two countries will continue working together to advance their semiconductor industries, citing a subsidy of JP¥1.25 trillion (US$8.6 billion) provided by the Japanese government to help Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. establish a venture in Kumamoto prefecture.
The director further recommended strengthening practical and strategic cooperation between Taiwan and Japan, adding that both were surrounded by sea, so both should seek collaboration in maritime conservation and ways to make full use of marine resources. He concluded by saying that Japan recognizes the importance of maintaining cross-strait peace and stability and will work to raise global awareness of the issue. (YCH-E)
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