Taiwan and Japan Strengthen Ties Amid Rising Cooperation

On March 12, 2024, President William Lai of Taiwan expressed optimism about enhancing cooperation with Japan during a meeting with a Japanese delegation led by Koichi Hagiuda. Hagiuda, who serves as the secretary-general of the Japan-ROC Diet Members’ Consultative Council and as executive acting secretary-general of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), is in Taiwan to discuss bilateral relations.

During the meeting held at the Presidential Office, Lai highlighted the importance of collaboration in various sectors, particularly in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region. He noted that since Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi took office, she has consistently voiced support for the Taiwan-Japan relationship at international forums, including the Japan-US Summit, ASEAN Japan Summit, and APEC Summit.

Strengthening Regional Ties

Lai expressed gratitude for Takaichi’s commitment, stating, “On behalf of Taiwanese, I want to express our appreciation.” He believes that Japan’s continued support will significantly contribute to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the broader Indo-Pacific area. Lai emphasized the importance of deepening collaboration in national security strategy, economic security, high-tech industries, and societal resilience.

He urged both nations to cherish their strong friendship and work together to face common challenges. “All democratic countries should unite to protect freedom and democracy, ensuring we are not divided by adversaries,” Lai added, thanking Hagiuda and Taiwan’s allies for their enduring support for regional peace.

Hagiuda reiterated that Taiwan is a vital partner for Japan, sharing values and fostering close economic relations as well as people-to-people exchanges. He mentioned a recent meeting between Takaichi and Taiwan’s representative to the APEC Summit, Lin Hsin-i, during the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in South Korea, where they discussed enhancing cooperation in economic matters and disaster prevention.

Public Sentiment and Diplomatic Context

Recent surveys reflect a strong affinity between the two nations. A Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association survey indicated that Taiwanese people ranked Japan as their favorite country. Correspondingly, nearly 80 percent of Japanese respondents reported feeling a sense of closeness to Taiwan, highlighting that Taiwan-Japan relations are at their strongest historically.

Despite these positive developments, tensions remain high with China. Following Hagiuda’s visit, China lodged a diplomatic complaint with Japan, expressing its disapproval of the meeting and urging Japan to reconsider its actions. This visit occurs at a time when diplomatic relations between Tokyo and Beijing are strained, particularly after Takaichi suggested that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could pose a “survival-threatening situation,” potentially requiring a military response from Japan.

In addition to Hagiuda’s delegation, another five-member Japanese legislative group led by Hirofumi Takinami, a member of the Japanese House of Councillors, is also visiting Taiwan from March 11 to March 14, 2024. Takinami has long championed Taiwan-Japan parliamentary exchanges and is married to a Taiwanese citizen, further solidifying the personal and diplomatic ties between the two nations.

As relations continue to evolve, both Taiwan and Japan appear committed to enhancing their partnership, navigating regional challenges while fostering mutual respect and collaboration.