TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan scholars say that Taiwan-Japan relations will undergo no fundamental changes after the Wednesday (Aug. 14) announcement that Prime Minister Kishida Fumio will resign.

Speaking to CNA, Institute for National Policy Research Deputy Director Kuo Yu-jen (郭育仁) said that no matter who is elected as the leader of Kishida’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Japan’s security and defense policy will not change significantly.

Kuo said that Kono Taro is a potential candidate to lead the party and is perceived as being more friendly to China. He said that even if Kono is chosen to succeed Kishida, Japan’s Taiwan policy will remain the same.

Japan’s defense policy direction has continued along a trajectory set by former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, Kuo said. He added that Kishida’s successors are likely to continue in this direction.

Chen Wen-chia (陳文甲), a senior consultant at the Taiwan Society of Japan Studies, said that as long as the LDP is in power there will be no fundamental changes to Taiwan-Japan relations. Chen said the LDP has strengthened regional security and economic cooperation with Taiwan, and that this is expected to continue under its leadership.

Chen said that Kishida promoted Japan’s participation in the US-led Indo Pacific strategy and strengthened the Japan-Taiwan relationship during his time in office. He said Kishida also strengthened defense cooperation with Australia, India, and other partners in the region.

He said Kishida’s government also took a tough stance on the East and South China Seas, and the Taiwan Strait, while showing support for increasing Taiwan’s international participation and defense capabilities.

Chen added that because Taiwan’s position is favorable for the US-led “resistance against China,” Taiwan-Japan security cooperation is likely to increase in the future. He said this is likely to encompass increased scientific, technological, and economic exchanges.