Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

On October 21, Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) stated that President Lai Ching-te, on behalf of the government and people of Taiwan, sincerely congratulates Member of the Japanese House of Representatives and new Liberal Democratic Party President Takaichi Sanae on her election as Japan’s 104th prime minister at an extraordinary National Diet session. Spokesperson Kuo also stated that President Lai wishes the Japanese government led by Prime Minister Takaichi success in implementing all its policy objectives and for the nation to continue to develop and prosper. The president also expressed hope that Taiwan and Japan will continue to enhance the friendship while working together to advance the well-being of both peoples.

Spokesperson Kuo stated that Taiwan and Japan engage in close cooperation and have a genuine and solid friendship, adding that the peoples of both nations have long fostered bonds of mutual support. During the pandemic, she pointed out, Taiwan and Japan supported each other and worked together to overcome challenges. She also noted that after the Fata’an Creek barrier lake disaster in September, the Japanese government provided a submersible water-level observation buoy, and Japanese citizens generously donated funds and even volunteered to be part of the “superheroes with shovels” debris removal effort in the disaster area, taking concrete actions to show care for those affected by the disaster in Hualien. The spokesperson emphasized that helping Taiwan’s people through tough times fully demonstrates the genuine kindness between democratic partners on the international stage and highlights the precious, family-like bonds that exist between Taiwan and Japan.

Spokesperson Kuo noted that Taiwan and Japan are steadfast partners who share common values, and that Prime Minister Takaichi is a staunch friend of Taiwan. She expressed hope that both sides will continue to expand cooperation and exchanges and strengthen regional partnerships in a range of areas including trade and the economy, technology, disaster prevention, and security guarantees, so as to achieve new milestones for Taiwan-Japan ties, advance the well-being of our peoples, and jointly safeguard peace, stability, and prosperous development in the Indo-Pacific region.

The spokesperson stated that President Lai is grateful to former Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru for his firm support for Taiwan during his time in office, and for continuing to emphasize at international venues, through both bilateral and multilateral joint statements, opposition against any attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by force or coercion. The president extended his sincere gratitude to the former prime minister for demonstrating through concrete actions his strong support for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and for Taiwan’s participation in international affairs, which has deeply moved the people of Taiwan. President Lai expressed hope that the friendship between Taiwan and Japan will continue to grow, and that both sides can work together to contribute to regional peace, prosperity, and stability.