Lai Ching-te Meets with Japanese Liberal Democratic Party Delegation: Hopes for Taiwan-Japan Strengthened Cooperation

Taiwan’s President-Elect, Lai Ching-te, received a visit today (30th) from the “Japan Liberal Democratic Party Youth Bureau Chief, Suzuki Takako Visiting Taiwan Group,” emphasizing that Taiwan and Japan share common values ​​such as democracy, freedom, and human rights. He expressed hope that after taking office on May 20th, both sides will strengthen cooperation in various aspects.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China issued a press release on the 26th, stating that the “Japan Liberal Democratic Party Youth Bureau” would visit Taiwan from April 29th to May 3rd, led by bureau chief Suzuki Takako. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs sincerely welcomed the delegation’s visit to Taiwan for exchanges.

During his speech today, Lai Ching-te welcomed Suzuki Takako, the bureau chief of the Japan Youth Bureau, for leading the delegation to Taiwan, which is particularly meaningful before the May 20th inauguration. Taiwan and Japan have a deep historical connection, with a strong bond between the peoples of both countries. Their mutual assistance during natural disasters is a testament to this bond. Lai expressed gratitude on behalf of the Taiwanese government and people to the Japanese government, parliament, and society for donating vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic and the rapid response to the Hualien earthquake on April 3rd, demonstrating Japan’s support for Taiwan. Currently, Japan accounts for the largest share of overseas donations to Taiwan.

Lai Ching-te pointed out that Taiwan and Japan share common values ​​such as democracy, freedom, and human rights. In the face of rising regional hegemony threatening regional peace and stability, as well as the era of globalization and comprehensive digitalization, it is hoped that Taiwan and Japan can enhance cooperation in various aspects post-inauguration on May 20th. This will deepen the bond between the peoples of the two countries, promote bilateral economic development and regional peace and stability, and create a situation of shared prosperity between Taiwan and Japan.

Chief Suzuki expressed her gratitude to Vice President Lai Ching-te for taking the time to meet during the busy period before the presidential inauguration. This is her first visit to Taiwan leading the Japan Liberal Democratic Party Youth Bureau delegation, and she appreciates Vice President Lai Ching-te’s warm reception. The weather forecast for Taiwan this week indicated rain, but today’s clear weather symbolizes a bright future for Taiwan-Japan relations.

She also expressed condolences for the Hualien earthquake on April 3rd. On January 1st of this year, a major earthquake occurred in the Noto Peninsula of Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, during the New Year period, an important moment for family reunions. Taiwan extended a warm helping hand promptly, providing assistance and donations, showing solidarity in times of hardship. This act of kindness exemplifies the true nature of relationships. President Tsai Ing-wen often mentions that Taiwan and Japan form a virtuous cycle through concrete actions. Whether in politics, economics, or people-to-people exchanges, the future relationship between Taiwan and Japan will undoubtedly become more robust.

Suzuki mentioned that during the delegation’s meeting with President Tsai, they will present the donation catalogue for the Hualien earthquake made by the Japan Liberal Democratic Party Youth Bureau. In 2018, during the Hualien earthquake, the Youth Bureau of the Liberal Democratic Party, as well as various branches nationwide, youth bureau executives, and past youth bureau chiefs, actively donated, covering a total of 37 prefectures. This time, local organizations and governments from all 47 prefectures in Japan participated in donations, showing Japan’s whole-hearted assistance in Taiwan’s reconstruction efforts.

“The members of the Japan Liberal Democratic Party Youth Bureau must be under 45 years old, representing the younger generation in politics and are a responsible generation. We hope that Taiwan and Japan together can bring hope, peace, and stability to the region. We also hope that Vice President Lai and Vice President-Elect Xiao Meiqin will guide us in the future,” Suzuki said.

The delegation members also include Japanese senators Fujii Kazuhiro, and members of the House of Representatives Kaneko Shunpei and Yamamoto Sakon, senator Tomonami Michio, and the president of the Japan-Taiwan Friendship Association of the Japan Junior Chamber International (JC), Aso Takashi. They were accompanied by Vice President-Elect Xiao Meiqin, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Tanaka Mitsuaki, Representative Koyama Kazuyuki of the Taipei office of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, Secretary-General Fan Zhenguo of the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association, who visited the Presidential Office to meet with Vice President Lai. Deputy Secretary-General of the National Security Council Hsu Sijian was also present.