Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

President Tsai Ing-wen met with a delegation from the University of Tokyo's cross-strait relations research group led by Professor Matsuda Yasuhiro on the morning of September 3. In her remarks, the president stated that Taiwan is able and willing to comply with high-standard international rules and practices, and expressed hope that Taiwan will be able to participate in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) to strengthen cooperation with Japan and contribute more to the regional economy. 

President Tsai opened her remarks by welcoming Professor Matsuda, who was the leader of a delegation to Taiwan once again. She said that all of her guests visited Taiwan and the Presidential Office last year, and had many interactions with our government agencies.

The president mentioned that the guests have all done in-depth research into political developments in Taiwan and cross-strait issues. Their expertise was on display during the day's meeting discussions, which were conducted in Mandarin. They often provide insightful comments, and the president said she looked forward to hearing their observations and ideas.

President Tsai stated that Taiwan's most cherished values are democracy, freedom, fundamental human rights, and the rule of law, so we hope to work together with Japan and countries throughout the region to deepen democratic development.

The president pointed out that international forums that Taiwan holds each year, like the Yushan and Ketagalan forums, provide a platform for exchanges among policy officials, opinion leaders, experts and scholars from various countries to address issues including democracy, human rights, religion, and regional strategy.

The implementation of our New Southbound Policy over the past three years has helped Taiwan establish more diversified, multi-level exchanges and cooperation with regional countries, the president said, and we also sincerely hope to participate in the CPTPP to strengthen cooperation with Japan and contribute more to the regional economy. Taiwan is able and willing to comply with high-standard international rules and practices, she said, and expressed hope that the guests would give us their valuable suggestions about all of these issues.

In closing, President Tsai stated that her visitors are the best testament to the strong friendship between Taiwan and Japan, and that every interaction between the two sides helps foster mutual understanding and friendship. She then once again welcomed the delegation, and thanked them for their long-term concern and support for Taiwan.