Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

On the morning of May 14, President Tsai Ing-wen met with the Japanese delegation to the Fifth Taiwan-Japan Strategic Dialogue. She expressed hope that her guests would continue to support a more proactive regional and international role for Taiwan so we have more opportunities to build closer strategic partnerships with like-minded nations. This would enable Taiwan to safeguard the values of freedom and democracy, and continue working to shape the region's future, she said.

In remarks, President Tsai noted that the Taiwan-Japan Strategic Dialogue was being held for the fifth time, and expressed hope that the dialogue would yield ideas and approaches that promote regional security, like it always has. The president pointed out that the Asia-Pacific region is facing new situations that create challenges, but that these challenges also present opportunities for peace. For example, everyone watched closely as the two Koreas shook hands and made peace, and we hope this atmosphere of dialogue will spread across the entire region.

Commenting on the recent summit between Japan, South Korea, and mainland China, President Tsai noted that Japan and mainland China had positive interactions. And as a member of this regional community, she said, we believe that positive developments in that bilateral relationship promotes regional stability. She added that China-Japan relations and Taiwan-Japan relations can run parallel with no conflict.

President Tsai said that Taiwan is strategically located on the Asian geopolitical map. Surrounded on all sides, we have sought to survive and develop for several centuries. So we're keenly aware of the importance of dialogue and cooperation. Over the past few years, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and US President Donald Trump have both advanced their respective Indo-Pacific strategies that provide a basis for cooperative action within the region to pursue peace and prosperity, our common goals. We are happy to see this strategy take shape, and willing to participate, she said.

The president said Taiwan hopes to have more opportunities to participate in regional multi-level dialogue, and build closer strategic partnerships with like-minded nations to safeguard the values of freedom and democracy, and continue to shape the region's future.

President Tsai emphasized that Taiwan is a responsible member of the regional community. She then expressed hope that both at home and in international venues, her visitors will continue to support a more proactive regional and international role for Taiwan. And finally, the president thanked her visitors for their long-term promotion of Taiwan-Japan relations and bilateral security cooperation, providing much valuable wisdom. She then concluded by extending her best wishes for a successful dialogue.

The delegation was headed by Japan Institute of International Affairs President Yoshiji Nogami.