TAIPEI (Taiwan News)— During a meeting with Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Youth Division on Tuesday (Aug. 20), President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said Taiwan and Japan should work together to counter authoritarian expansion from China.
At the Presidential Office, Lai received the Japanese delegation, led by representative Suzuki Takako, director of the LDP’s Youth Division, according to CNA. The delegation, which consisted of over 70 members, arrived in Taiwan on Monday (Aug. 19) for a five-day overseas training visit.
Speaking to the delegation, Lai said Taiwan and Japan face a shared challenge of authoritarian expansion. He said that while Taiwan improves its national defense and economic resilience, it hopes to work with democratic partners like Japan to safeguard liberal values and defend against authoritarian threats.
Lai said the friendship between Japan and Taiwan has lasted for more than half a century, with the LDP Youth Division having played an important role. Suzuki pointed out that Japan will hold elections in September, and she expressed confidence that Japan's new Cabinet and prime minister would attach even greater importance to Taiwan-Japan relations.
Lai expressed gratitude to Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, who once spoke of the “spiritual connection” between Taiwan and Japan. He said these words left a mark in the hearts of the Taiwanese.
In addition, Lai said he hopes Japan will continue to support Taiwan's bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
Lai is also set to meet later this week with former Japanese Prime Minister Noda Yoshihiko, who delivered a keynote address at the Ketagalan Forum in Taipei on Wednesday (Aug. 21). The two will discuss bilateral relations and shared security, according to the foreign ministry.
