TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Former Japan economic security minister Takaichi Sanae on Monday said China must not be given an excuse to invade Taiwan and reaffirmed the importance of strengthening defense and security ties with the country.
Takaichi is a current member of Japan’s House of Representatives and is leading a delegation visiting Taiwan from Sunday to Tuesday, per CNA. Takaichi said that during her meeting with President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Monday, they confirmed the need to strengthen ties in three key areas:
- Exchanges on defense and security, including the Free and Open Indo-Pacific strategy
- Economic security ties in areas such as non-Chinese supply chains, semiconductors, and advanced technology to jointly build a resilient supply chain
- Democratic ties that extend Japan-Taiwan relations to cooperation with like-minded countries such as the Philippines, Australia, and the US
Takaichi said that she and Lai reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and agreed on promoting exchanges in critical technologies, including dual-use products and AI. She said Taiwan has an advantage in semiconductors while Japan excels in manufacturing, and that both are indispensable to the world.
When asked whether Taiwan-Japan relations would develop differently if she were to become Prime Minister, Takaichi responded that since Ishiba Shigeru has been elected Liberal Democratic Party president and is now prime minister, it was difficult for her to answer a hypothetical question. However, she said Japan and Taiwan could enhance their unofficial, substantive relations through personnel exchanges, information sharing, and technological cooperation.
Regarding her evaluation of Taiwan's policy toward China, Takaichi said that “China cannot be given an excuse to invade Taiwan.” She said Japan is willing to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, promoting mutual prosperity, cooperation, and exchanges under peaceful conditions.
She also pointed out that Taiwan and Japan are island nations facing similar circumstances and challenges. She said Japan relies heavily on maritime trade, and any regional conflict threatening sea routes would pose an existential risk to the country.
She said Taiwan faces similar issues. She said if a crisis were to occur, it would threaten Taiwan’s food and energy security, even supply chains.
Takaichi stressed the importance of defense cooperation. She suggested that uniting like-minded countries such as Taiwan, the US, Japan, the Philippines, Australia, and even European nations could better maintain security.
She expressed hope that Japan and Taiwan would continue to deepen their substantive, non-governmental relations, including personnel exchanges and information sharing, so that in the event of a crisis, both sides could respond together. Takaichi also expressed support for Lai’s desire to negotiate an economic partnership agreement between Taiwan and Japan.
