Japan Party Youth Wing Visits Taiwan, Cites Friendship for Regional Stability

A delegation from the youth division of Japan's Liberal Democratic Party visited Taiwan's Legislative Yuan, engaging with Taiwanese legislators and underscoring the importance of bilateral relations. Masajiro Hiranuma, a member of the Japanese House of Representatives, stated that mutual trust and friendship between Taiwan and Japan will continue to deepen. He emphasized that both sides will work together to protect their common interests and promote regional peace and stability.

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Taiwan-Japan mutual trust and friendship will continue to deepen, and the two sides will work together to protect common interests and promote regional peace and stability.

The delegation was hosted by Chen Guan-ting, the director of the Democratic Progressive Party's youth division and a legislator. Chen highlighted the need to enhance defense capabilities along the first island chain in response to China's expanding military power, clarifying that this is not intended to provoke China. He stressed that countries like Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, and the United States share a common goal of strengthening their defense.

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Facing the challenge of China's continuous military expansion, the first island chain must enhance its defense capabilities, but this is not out of hostility towards China.

During their visit, the Japanese group also met with President Lai Ching-te and leaders from Taiwan's opposition parties. Hiranuma noted the consistently high favorability ratings between the Taiwanese and Japanese populations, reflecting strong public goodwill. He also acknowledged Taiwan's significant assistance following the Kumamoto earthquake, expressing gratitude and reaffirming the commitment to long-term mutual support.

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Taiwanese public opinion polls show a high level of favorability towards Japanese people, and Japanese polls also reveal great goodwill from Japanese citizens towards Taiwan.

The discussions focused on solidifying the robust foundation of Taiwan-Japan relations and addressing regional security concerns. The exchange highlighted a shared perspective on maintaining stability and cooperation in the face of evolving geopolitical dynamics in the region.

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We have no hostility towards China; it is a matter of preparing for China's expanding military power and ensuring self-defense. Japan, the Philippines, and the United States are all aligned in this direction.