TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) called for closer security cooperation with Japan on Thursday.
During a meeting with a visiting Japanese Diet delegation, Lai said Taiwan and Japan would work together to defend regional peace by collaborating on cybersecurity, countering cognitive warfare, and bolstering overall societal resilience, according to the Presidential Office. Amid expanding Chinese authoritarianism, Taiwan is strengthening its defense capabilities and cooperation with like-minded nations, Lai said.
Regarding the economy and industry, Lai said democratic nations must cooperate more closely to build trusted and resilient supply chains to counter low-cost dumping from China.
Given that Taiwan and Japan are already collaborating in strategic fields such as semiconductors and artificial intelligence, Lai expressed hope that the two countries could elevate their economic resilience and competitiveness. He said he looked forward to the delegation’s support in facilitating the signing of an economic partnership agreement to drive industrial prosperity and benefit both peoples.
Lai said the lawmakers’ visit demonstrated steadfast support for Taiwan. He reaffirmed that Taiwan would continue to stand with Japan and contribute to regional stability.
Japanese House of Representatives members Taira Masaaki, Kihara Seiji, and Nishino Daisuke arrived in Taiwan on Wednesday for a three-day trip.
