President Lai Thanks Japan-Taiwan Parliamentarians' League for Supporting Taiwan, Looks Forward to Realizing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific

TAIPEI (CNA) — President Lai Ching-te delivered a video address on the afternoon of the 11th to the 2026 annual general meeting of the Japan-Taiwan Parliamentarians' League (JTPF), thanking the league for always doing its utmost to speak out for Taiwan and for laying a more solid foundation for Taiwan-Japan exchanges and cooperation. President Lai also expressed his hope that the JTPF would continue to strongly support Taiwan, deepen bilateral cooperation, and work together to realize the vision of a 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific.'

According to a press release from the Presidential Office, President Lai stated that over the 53 years since its founding, the JTPF has been a powerful engine promoting Taiwan-Japan friendship, steadily advancing bilateral relations.

The President noted that whether it is deepening the bonds between Taiwanese and Japanese lawmakers, supporting Taiwan's international participation, or promoting policies that enhance the well-being of the people of both countries, the JTPF has always done its utmost to speak out for Taiwan, continuously laying a more solid foundation for Taiwan-Japan exchanges and cooperation.

President Lai said that thanks to everyone's hard work and dedication, Taiwan and Japan have seen rapid development in recent years across various fields, including trade, technology, education, and tourism.

He specifically mentioned that last year, the JTPF announced a basic policy at its annual general meeting, stating that 'an emergency in Taiwan is an emergency for Japan and an emergency for the Japan-U.S. alliance,' and declaring that such an emergency must never be allowed to occur. Taiwan is deeply moved and grateful for the JTPF's steadfast support, he said.

President Lai also thanked Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba for repeatedly emphasizing the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait on international stages. He stated that as China's authoritarian expansion continues, attempting to change the rules-based international order, Taiwan and like-minded countries such as Japan must uphold democratic and liberal values, unite and cooperate, and actively promote comprehensive partnerships to counter various threats and challenges.

The President said that Taiwan and Japan not only share universal values but are also a community of shared destiny, with ample room for cooperation in many areas. He expressed his strong hope that the JTPF would continue to strongly support Taiwan, deepen bilateral cooperation, and work together to realize a 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific.' (By Yeh Su-ping; Edited by Lin Hsing-meng) 1150611