Japan-Taiwan relations took a big step forward on August 27, with virtual talks between Japan's
LDP and Taiwan's DPP where both sides emphasized the convergence between their governments
on the perceived threat from China – and reaffirmed their desire to increase cooperation to counter
that threat. The discussions, which lasted roughly 90 minutes, brought together foreign affairs and
defense officials from Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and Japan’s ruling
Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Taiwan’s DPP was represented by Lo Chih-cheng and Tsai Shihying. Lo is the head of the DPP’s international affairs division, and he and Tsai are both members
of the Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee in Taiwan’s legislature. The Japanese side
consisted of LDP lawmakers Sato Masahisa and Otsuka Taku, the heads of the LDP’s Foreign
Affairs Division and National Defense Division, respectively. In a Facebook post the DPP said
“There has long been solid friendship between Taiwan and Japan, and the cooperation between the
two countries in various fields is getting closer. Through this exchange, we look forward to more
in-depth interaction and cooperation on diplomatic and security issues of importance to both sides.”
In addition to discussing deeper military cooperation, in particular between Taiwan and Japan’s
coast guards, as well as trilateral cooperation with the United States, the talks included discussion
on supply chain issues, including semiconductors, an industry where Taiwan occupies a key role.
Indicating that there will be more such talks, LDP lawmaker Sato Masahisa said, “We look forward
to continued exchanges and strengthen cooperation between the two parties.”
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