Premier Su Tseng-chang on Wednesday received a Japanese delegation led by Ogura Masanobu, director of the Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) Youth Division. Japan donated vaccines to Taiwan during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, and Taiwan reciprocated by donating related medical supplies to Japan, demonstrating the sincere friendship between the two countries, Premier Su said. In addition, since Taiwan and Japan are important trading partners, the premier hopes that Japan will vigorously support Taiwan's entry into the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and international economic and trade organizations. He believes this move will further contribute to advancing mutually beneficial bilateral ties.
Taiwan and Japan interact frequently, as they are each other's third largest trading partners. During past accidents or disasters, the citizens of both countries have always offered compassion and assistance to each other. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Japan quickly donated vaccines to Taiwan in greater quantities than any other country in the world. The premier took the opportunity on Wednesday to express his sincere gratitude. He spoke of how the people of Taiwan have expressed concern for the pandemic situation in Japan and donated medical supplies as a concrete demonstration of sincere goodwill.
Taiwan highly values its relationship with Japan and has taken such actions as lifting restrictions on Japanese food imports. To demonstrate Taiwan's determination and readiness in participating in international organizations and aligning with international norms, the government has also changed laws and regulations and approved related amendments. Since Taiwan and Japan are important trade partners, Premier Su hopes Japan will support Taiwan's bid to join the CPTPP and other international economic and trade organizations, which he believes would bring mutual benefits for both countries.
Taiwan and Japan are both ardent defenders of free democracy and open societies, the premier continued. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has also strengthened both nations' convictions to stand with other democracies, work with one another and continue bolstering ties. This will discourage neighboring authoritarian regimes from launching wars at will, maintain regional peace, and solidify values held by Taiwan and Japan.
The delegation from Japan also included LDP Youth Division acting director Suzuki Norikazu, Youth Division international director Suzuki Hayato, Youth Division international deputy director Yamaguchi Susumu, Youth Division international deputy director Nishino Daisuke—all of whom are members of the Diet—Junior Chamber International Japan head Nakashima Tsuchi, Junior Chamber International Japan permanent director Hoshino Kenta, LDP headquarters staff Makita Masahiko, LDP headquarters staff Kanada Hiroki, Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association headquarters vice chair Yamaoka Seiya, and Japan Airlines policy and operations director Sekine Hisayuki.