Taiwan and Japan seek to strengthen cooperation, become a force for peace in the region

According to Taiwan News, the initiative aims to unite democracies around the world to promote shared values ​​such as freedom, peace and prosperity, as well as counter the growing influence of authoritarian regimes in East Asia.

“I extend a warm welcome to Chairman Ohashi Mitsuo and thank him for his contributions to promoting Taiwan-Japan relations. We are maritime nations and solid partners bound by deep friendship. I hope that through this Taiwan-Japan maritime cooperation dialogue, we can strengthen our cooperation in the maritime field, address global issues, and become a solid force for peace and prosperity in the region,” President Lai Ching-te said in a post on X.

Ohashi Mitsuo has played a key role in Japan-Taiwan relations since his appointment in 2011, overseeing informal but strategically important diplomatic ties between the two countries.

During their meeting, President Lai emphasized the importance of further deepening the long-standing friendship between Taiwan and Japan, which he described as based on mutual respect and shared democratic values. The “democratic umbrella” concept is seen as a natural progression of these relations, promoting closer cooperation between democracies to ensure regional security.

A major topic of discussion was Taiwan's efforts to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a landmark trade pact that will enhance Taiwan's economic integration with other member countries, including Japan.

Lai expressed hope that Japan would actively support Taiwan's application, Taiwan News reported. He underscored the strategic benefits such an alliance would bring to both countries.

In addition to economic cooperation, the meeting also discussed security concerns, especially in light of China's growing assertiveness in the Asia-Pacific region. The two leaders acknowledged the important role of Taiwan-Japan cooperation in maintaining peace and preventing potential conflicts.

Lai reiterated Taiwan's commitment to the “four pillars of peace,” a strategy that includes strengthening national defense, enhancing economic resilience, boosting international deterrence, and engaging in principled dialogue with China. The “democratic umbrella” is envisioned as a broad coalition of like-minded countries committed to these principles.

In addition, President Lai announced the appointment of Lee I-yang as Taiwan's new envoy to Japan, replacing former Prime Minister Frank Hsieh, who had led Taiwan's representative office in Tokyo since 2016. According to Taiwan News, this change marks a new chapter in Taiwan-Japan relations, with even closer cooperation expected under Lee's leadership.

The dialogue underscores the strategic importance of Taiwan-Japan relations in the current geopolitical landscape.