Japanese Politicians Reaffirm Deepening Bilateral Exchange at Japan-Taiwan Friendship Association Gathering
The Japan-Taiwan Friendship Association held a reception in Tokyo on the evening of the 20th, attended by numerous Japanese Diet members. Amid ongoing attention on U.S.-China relations and the Taiwan Strait situation, attendees unanimously emphasized Taiwan's importance and reaffirmed that Japan and Taiwan should continue to deepen exchanges and cooperation to jointly maintain peace in the Taiwan Strait and regional stability. Japanese dignitaries stated clearly that Taiwan would not be used as a bargaining chip with China and praised President Lai Ching-te's leadership. The tourism imbalance between Japan and Taiwan was also noted, with hopes to promote more Japanese travel to Taiwan.
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- 📰 Published: May 20, 2026 at 22:21
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The Japan-Taiwan Friendship Association held a reception in Tokyo this evening, attended by numerous Japanese Diet members. With continued focus on U.S.-China relations and the situation in the Taiwan Strait, participants unanimously stressed the importance of Taiwan, reaffirming that Japan and Taiwan should continue to deepen exchange and cooperation to jointly safeguard peace in the Taiwan Strait and regional stability.
Deputy Representative to Japan Tsai Ming-yao stated in his speech that while recent U.S.-China interactions and remarks by U.S. President Trump have caused external concern, he believes the international community cannot ignore Taiwan's importance. He emphasized that Taiwan will continue to defend its freedom, democracy, and national dignity, will not bow to pressure from China, and looks forward to working with Japan to maintain regional peace and stability.
Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association President Sumi Shuuzo shared his recent experiences visiting Taiwan. He mentioned that since becoming president last year, he has visited Taiwan multiple times and had in-depth exchanges with President Lai Ching-te and senior Taiwanese officials. President Lai expressed gratitude for Japan's long-standing support and hoped to further deepen cooperation in areas such as trade, economy, and disaster prevention.
Sumi pointed out that in 2025, Taiwanese visitors to Japan reached 6.73 million, while Japanese visitors to Taiwan were only about 1.43 million, a significant gap. He believes many Japanese tourists only stay around Taipei and have not yet truly discovered the charm of other parts of Taiwan, expressing hope to promote more Japanese travel and exchange across Taiwan in the future.
He also mentioned attending a memorial event for Yoichi Hatta during his trip, where he was deeply moved to personally witness how the Taiwanese people still cherish the infrastructure built by Japan and hold deep gratitude for the Japanese who participated in its construction.
When asked about the U.S.-China talks and the Taiwan issue in an interview after the meeting, Sumi said that while the outside world cannot fully grasp the extent of Trump's discussions with China on Taiwan, he believes the U.S. is unlikely to use Taiwan as a bargaining chip in dealings with China.
Regarding whether Japan might use the Taiwan issue as a negotiation tool in future interactions with China, Sumi firmly stated, "Japan will not use the Taiwan issue as a bargaining chip with China."
Japan-Taiwan Friendship Association President Eto Seishiro said in an interview that Taiwan is a vital cornerstone of freedom, human rights, rule of law, and democracy in the Indo-Pacific. He argued that Japan and Taiwan, sharing common values, should therefore continue to deepen their cooperation. While recent international turmoil and China's actions are concerning, and the recent U.S.-China summit has raised worries, he believes Trump has clearly expressed the stance that "the U.S. will resolutely protect Taiwan."
Noting that today marks the second anniversary of President Lai's administration, Eto praised President Lai as an outstanding leader with a clear vision for Taiwan's position in the international community who continuously communicates Taiwan's importance to the world.
House of Representatives member Ito Yoshitaka from Hokkaido also shared his 40-year connection with Taiwan. He explained that Kushiro city has a large sardine catch, and a key industry is processing the fish into fishmeal for export to Taiwan as feed for eel and black tiger shrimp farming. This led to his first visit to Taiwan and the establishment of a deep friendship.
He noted that recent international developments are worrying, but President Lai has made very firm statements, even at the cost of provoking China's displeasure. He believes, "what needs to be said must be said," and that both Japan and Taiwan should clearly state their positions.
Ito called for Japanese society to continue supporting Taiwan, stating, "I hope Japan can continue to stand by Taiwan and cherish this important partner," and wished for the continued deepening of Taiwan-Japan friendship.
Deputy Representative to Japan Tsai Ming-yao stated in his speech that while recent U.S.-China interactions and remarks by U.S. President Trump have caused external concern, he believes the international community cannot ignore Taiwan's importance. He emphasized that Taiwan will continue to defend its freedom, democracy, and national dignity, will not bow to pressure from China, and looks forward to working with Japan to maintain regional peace and stability.
Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association President Sumi Shuuzo shared his recent experiences visiting Taiwan. He mentioned that since becoming president last year, he has visited Taiwan multiple times and had in-depth exchanges with President Lai Ching-te and senior Taiwanese officials. President Lai expressed gratitude for Japan's long-standing support and hoped to further deepen cooperation in areas such as trade, economy, and disaster prevention.
Sumi pointed out that in 2025, Taiwanese visitors to Japan reached 6.73 million, while Japanese visitors to Taiwan were only about 1.43 million, a significant gap. He believes many Japanese tourists only stay around Taipei and have not yet truly discovered the charm of other parts of Taiwan, expressing hope to promote more Japanese travel and exchange across Taiwan in the future.
He also mentioned attending a memorial event for Yoichi Hatta during his trip, where he was deeply moved to personally witness how the Taiwanese people still cherish the infrastructure built by Japan and hold deep gratitude for the Japanese who participated in its construction.
When asked about the U.S.-China talks and the Taiwan issue in an interview after the meeting, Sumi said that while the outside world cannot fully grasp the extent of Trump's discussions with China on Taiwan, he believes the U.S. is unlikely to use Taiwan as a bargaining chip in dealings with China.
Regarding whether Japan might use the Taiwan issue as a negotiation tool in future interactions with China, Sumi firmly stated, "Japan will not use the Taiwan issue as a bargaining chip with China."
Japan-Taiwan Friendship Association President Eto Seishiro said in an interview that Taiwan is a vital cornerstone of freedom, human rights, rule of law, and democracy in the Indo-Pacific. He argued that Japan and Taiwan, sharing common values, should therefore continue to deepen their cooperation. While recent international turmoil and China's actions are concerning, and the recent U.S.-China summit has raised worries, he believes Trump has clearly expressed the stance that "the U.S. will resolutely protect Taiwan."
Noting that today marks the second anniversary of President Lai's administration, Eto praised President Lai as an outstanding leader with a clear vision for Taiwan's position in the international community who continuously communicates Taiwan's importance to the world.
House of Representatives member Ito Yoshitaka from Hokkaido also shared his 40-year connection with Taiwan. He explained that Kushiro city has a large sardine catch, and a key industry is processing the fish into fishmeal for export to Taiwan as feed for eel and black tiger shrimp farming. This led to his first visit to Taiwan and the establishment of a deep friendship.
He noted that recent international developments are worrying, but President Lai has made very firm statements, even at the cost of provoking China's displeasure. He believes, "what needs to be said must be said," and that both Japan and Taiwan should clearly state their positions.
Ito called for Japanese society to continue supporting Taiwan, stating, "I hope Japan can continue to stand by Taiwan and cherish this important partner," and wished for the continued deepening of Taiwan-Japan friendship.