President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) met a delegation of officials from Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) led by its Secretary General Seko Hiroshige (世耕弘成) on Wednesday.
Tsai said in a speech that the members of the delegation were all long time supporters of Taiwan, and that their visit created a deeper “kizuna” (絆) — the Japanese word for close relations. Tsai also said that Japan and Taiwan face similar regional challenges, and Japan's recent shift in defense policy will greatly enhance their security. Tsai said that Taiwan’s own defense policy changes demonstrate its determination to maintain regional stability.
Japan has recently announced policy shifts such as doubling its defense spending over the next five years and potentially acquiring new counter-strike capabilities.
Seko thanked the Taiwanese people for their outpouring of condolences following the death of former prime minister Shinzo Abe. He said that in addition to sharing universal values, the two sides have also been friends and partners in times of natural disasters and epidemics. Seko praised Taiwan’s recent policy moves, including yesterday’s announcement that conscription service will be extended to one year.
Seko said that he can feel Taiwan’s enthusiasm and desire to join the Japan-led regional trade agreement known as the CPTPP. He said that although the standards for joining the agreement are quite complex, he believes that Taiwan can meet them, and that Japan can help Taiwan navigate them.