TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Democratic Progressive Party Secretary-General Lin Yu-chang (林右昌) hoped for closer Taiwan-Japan ties during a meeting with Japan Innovation Party lawmakers in Osaka on Saturday.
Lin said that as democratic nations, Taiwan and Japan can deepen exchanges and cooperation. He hoped the DPP could establish a mechanism with the Japan Innovation Party to enhance exchanges and mutual understanding.
The secretary-general emphasized that global and regional security challenges are interconnected. He said that people increasingly perceive the "China problem" as not just Taiwan’s issue but a shared concern for Japan and the world.
Lin thanked the party for its attention to Taiwan Strait security and support for Taiwan. He also expressed gratitude for their donation of NT$6.49 million (30 million yen) following the Hualien earthquake earlier this year. He said the warmth and concern during the meeting made him feel Taiwan and Japan are more like family than friends, according to the DPP.
Lin expressed optimism after seeing advertisements and construction projects for Osaka's World Expo throughout the city and looked forward to revisiting the city to attend the event.
The secretary-general is in Japan from Dec. 7-10 to promote party diplomacy. His trip aims to strengthen inter-party relations and advance Taiwan-Japan development. In his stops in Tokyo and Osaka, he will engage with senior leaders and lawmakers and meet with overseas Taiwanese. Lin also plans to thank local supporters of Taiwan and strengthen bilateral party relations and cooperation.