Japan PM's Taiwan Omission Explained as Platform Interaction, Not Diplomatic Shift

A social media post by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida thanking global leaders for their support following a recent earthquake in Kumamoto has sparked discussion after Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te was initially omitted. The post, made on July 30, led some Taiwanese media and netizens to question Japan's attitude towards Taiwan.

Veteran journalist Yaita Akio addressed the controversy, explaining that the initial message was not exclusively addressed to six specific leaders. He clarified that Kishida's post on the X platform was intended as a global thank you to all who expressed concern and support for Japan after the earthquake. The specific tagging of leaders from South Korea, Brazil, and France, among others, was due to their direct messages of condolence to Kishida via their personal X accounts. This method of tagging was simply a platform interaction, not an indication of limited gratitude.

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I believe this matter should end here.

Akio emphasized that Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te's immediate expression of sympathy and offer of assistance after the earthquake was clearly recognized and appreciated by Japan. To address the misunderstanding, Kishida issued a second statement later that day, expressing gratitude to all countries, regions, and organizations that supported Japan, explicitly including Taiwan.

Akio stressed that Kishida has consistently been one of the most pro-Taiwan politicians in Japan, demonstrating her support through long-term actions rather than single social media posts. He urged the public to view the situation rationally, cherish the friendship between Taiwan and Japan, and avoid falling into traps set by those seeking to sow discord. Akio concluded that the matter should be considered closed.

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Her friendliness and support for Taiwan are not based on one post, but proven by years of practical actions.