A delegation from Japan’s House of Representatives commenced a four-day visit to Taiwan July 27 aimed at strengthening joint democratic cooperation and resilience in the face of authoritarian expansionism.
Led by former defense ministers Shigeru Ishiba and Yasukazu Hamada, the group includes fellow lawmakers Akihisa Nagashima and Takayuki Shimizu. The itinerary includes an audience with President Tsai Ing-wen and meetings with Vice President Lai Ching-te, Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu and Su Jia-chyuan, chairperson of the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association.
Other highlights are visits to the National Security Council, Executive Yuan, Legislative Yuan, Ministry of National Defense and related think tanks, as well as a trip to pay respects at the grave of late President Lee Teng-hui at a military cemetery in New Taipei City.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the delegation’s visit is warmly welcomed by the government and the people. It further underscores the two sides’ commitment to ensuring peace, stability and prosperity in the Taiwan Strait and across the Indo-Pacific, the MOFA added.
In a tweet on its official account, the ministry said “Deputy Minister Tien welcomed Shigeru Ishiba & Yasukazu Hamada, leaders of the #Japan parliamentary delegation, & other members Akihisa Nagashima & Takayuki Shimizu to #Taiwan. We wish the lawmakers a good 4-day visit aimed at getting up to speed on key security developments.” (DL-E)
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