Premier Chen Chien-jen on Thursday received a Japanese delegation led by Suzuki Norikazu, director of the Liberal Democratic Party's Youth Division. Taiwan and Japan enjoy a shared free and democratic way of life, while simultaneously having to contend with threats and challenges from neighboring authoritarian regimes, the premier said. He called on the world family of democratic nations to closely cooperate with one another to build a robust counterbalance. The premier also expressed particular thanks to Japan's government for its numerous public statements emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace and security in the Taiwan Strait.
Taiwan and Japan are each other's third-largest trading partners with total bilateral trade reaching a historic high of US$88.2 billion last year. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. also recently invested in new manufacturing facilities in Japan's Ibaraki and Kumamoto prefectures. By working together, Taiwan and Japan can assume the weighty responsibility of safeguarding the global semiconductor supply chain, the premier said.
Premier Chen also emphasized that Taiwan is currently actively trying to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). From physical infrastructure to legal and social institutions, Taiwan has made thorough preparations for membership and is ready to abide by the CPTPP's high standards for international free trade. The premier expressed hope that Japan can help Taiwan swiftly join the agreement, so that the two nations can together contribute to regional economic growth and prosperity.
In his remarks, Director Suzuki said Taiwan and Japan face an extremely grave international situation following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Taiwan and Japan should therefore work together and exercise diplomatic efforts to uphold universal values such as freedom and democracy, in addition to safeguarding peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region.
Director Suzuki said Japan will do its best to assist Taiwan's entry into the CPTPP and support Taiwan's participation in the World Health Organization and other international bodies. The director hopes Taiwan and Japan can further strengthen bilateral youth exchanges in the future, so that their young generations can build close ties akin to friendship or family.