The Foreign Ministry says that Taiwan-Japan relations will not be affected by actions construed to be “pro-China”.
Japan’s Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya visited Beijing at the end of last year. Combined with the news that Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba expressed his willingness to visit China, some commentators say Japan-China relations are warming.
Taiwan-Japan Relations Association Secretary-General Fan Chen-kuo (范振國) says Japan’s actions are simply to avoid risks. Concerning Ishiba’s visit to China, his schedule hasn’t been determined. Ishiba also plans to visit the United States around February, signaling the importance the Japanese government places on its relationship with Washington.
Fan says the Foreign Affairs Ministry sees Japan’s interactions with China as a way to avoid unexpected situations. He adds that in recent years the Japanese government has repeatedly listed Taiwan as an important friend and partner, with a relationship built on shared values. Similarly, it has called on the international community to pay attention to the Taiwan Strait situation.
Fan points out that Iwaya reiterated the Japanese government's pro-peace stance during his visit to China in December, as did Ishiba at Japan-China leaders’ talks during the 2024 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum.