Taiwan Japan cooperation moved into sharper focus yesterday as President William Lai met senior Japanese lawmakers in Taipei. The meeting underscored shared commitments to regional stability, democratic values, and economic security across the Indo-Pacific region.
President Lai welcomed a delegation led by Koichi Hagiuda, a senior lawmaker from Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party. Hagiuda also serves as secretary-general of the Japan-ROC Diet Members’ Consultative Council and led a delegation of Hachioji city councilors.
During talks at the Presidential Office, Lai emphasized Taiwan Japan cooperation as essential for maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. Moreover, he said closer coordination could strengthen deterrence, economic resilience, and regional collaboration.
Lai recalled meeting Hagiuda earlier this year during the launch of the Abe Shinzo Research Center in Taipei. Therefore, he said the renewed dialogue reflected growing trust and continuity between political leaders from both sides.
The Taiwanese president also praised Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for publicly supporting Taiwan in global forums. In addition, he cited her remarks at the Japan-US Summit, ASEAN meetings, and the APEC Summit.
Accordingly, Lai thanked Tokyo for emphasizing peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. He added that strong public support for Takaichi in Japan could enable broader regional contributions.
Lai further said Taiwan Japan cooperation should expand across national security, economic strategy, advanced technology, and disaster preparedness. Consequently, he urged democratic partners to resist division and coordinate responses to shared challenges.
Hagiuda responded by describing Taiwan as a critical partner and trusted friend. He noted deep people-to-people ties, shared democratic values, and expanding economic links.
He also referenced Prime Minister Takaichi’s recent meeting with Taiwan’s APEC representative, Lin Hsin-i. During that discussion, both sides explored cooperation in disaster prevention and economic resilience.
Meanwhile, Hagiuda highlighted long-standing exchanges between the LDP youth division and Taiwanese counterparts. Therefore, he said sustained engagement continues to build lasting bilateral trust.
Public sentiment further supports Taiwan Japan cooperation, according to recent surveys. Taiwanese ranked Japan as their most favored country, while nearly 80 percent of Japanese expressed closeness toward Taiwan.
However, the visit triggered diplomatic friction with Beijing. China lodged a formal complaint, opposing the meeting and urging Japan to reconsider its actions.
Tensions have risen further since Prime Minister Takaichi warned that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could threaten Japan’s survival. Consequently, Beijing demanded a retraction, which Tokyo has not issued.
In parallel, Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry confirmed another Japanese legislative delegation arrived yesterday. The group, led by Upper House lawmaker Hirofumi Takinami, will meet senior Taiwanese officials through Thursday.
Takinami, who maintains long-standing ties with Taiwan, has actively promoted parliamentary exchanges for years. As a result, officials expect discussions to reinforce Taiwan Japan cooperation further.
Overall, the visit reflects deepening strategic alignment amid regional uncertainty. Moreover, both governments signal that sustained engagement remains central to long-term Indo-Pacific stability.
