The relationship between Taiwan and Japan has grown closer in recent weeks as preparations for President-elect William Lai Ching-te’s inauguration continue, with Japan planning to send a delegation of 38 parliamentarians.
One expert suggests that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) may have been responsible for pushing the two countries closer together.
On May 8, Mr.
Lai attended a memorial event in Tainan City for the late Japanese engineer Yoichi Hatta, organized by the Republic of China’s Ministry of Agriculture.
He laid flowers at his seated statue.
Mr.
Hatta, born in Kanazawa, Japan, passed away on May 8, 1942.
During Japan’s rule over Taiwan, he led the construction of several water projects that turned barren lands into fertile grain-producing areas.
In his speech, Mr.
Lai stated that with limited technology a century ago, these projects could not have been completed without Mr.
Hatta’s expertise and dedication.
He noted that after his inauguration on May 20, he would continue to strengthen cooperation with Japan in various fields, especially in increasing personnel exchanges, semiconductor industry cooperation, and maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Ding Shuh-Fan, an Honorary Professor at National Chengchi University’s College of International Affairs, told The Epoch Times on May 9 that during President Tsai Ing-wen’s second term, Vice President Lai Ching-te has generally represented the president in interactions with various sectors in Japan, becoming a liaison for Japan.
For instance, it was Vice President Lai who represented Taiwan at Abe’s funeral.
The day after Mr.
Lai commemorated the deceased’s merits, President Tsai Ing-wen honored contemporary contributors to the Taiwan-Japan friendship.
On May 9, Ms.
Tsai awarded Hideo Tarumi, former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon in recognition of his contributions to Taiwan-Japan relations.
In her speech, she stated that Mr.
Tarumi, a long-time good friend of Taiwan, was dedicated to a diplomatic vision and mentioned Japan’s alliances with the U.S., South Korea, and the Philippines and its role as a major member of the QUAD.
She noted that the UK, Canada, and the EU are reassessing their Indo-Pacific strategies and strengthening relations with Taiwan.
High-level meetings and important international conferences repeatedly emphasize the importance of stability in the Taiwan Strait for world security.
Mr.
Ding believes that today’s Taiwan has become a symbol: “In the competition and confrontation between the Western democracies represented by the United States and the authoritarian regimes represented by the CCP, Taiwan is at the forefront of this rivalry.” Mr.
Sun said that among the countries supporting Taiwan, “the United States is the leader and protector of the world order, and Japan is actively keeping pace.
He believes that after Mr.
Lai’s inauguration, Taiwan, which is at the forefront of the battle between good and evil, “will be able to play a good role in safeguarding the democratic system.