Taiwan’s newly elected President Lai reaffirms cooperation with Japan; Taiwanese leaders speak to LDP delegation in Taipei

TAIPEI – New Taiwan President Lai Ching-te reaffirmed stronger cooperation between Japan and Taiwan during his meeting with a Liberal Democratic Party delegation in Taipei on Tuesday.

Lai and President Tsai Ing-wen met separately with lawmakers from the LDP Youth Division and each conveyed their gratitude for Japan’s assistance after the April 3 earthquake that struck Hualien, eastern Taiwan.

Lai, who will assume the presidency on May 20, has expressed his willingness to strengthen ties with Japan, according to Taiwan’s presidential office.

“After my inauguration, I hope that Taiwan and Japan will create a period of joint prosperity by promoting economic development along with regional peace and stability,” Lai said.

LDP Youth Division Director Takako Suzuki, who led the delegation, expressed gratitude for Taiwan’s support after the earthquake that struck the Noto Peninsula on New Year’s Day.

During the meeting with Tsai, who is nearing the end of her second four-year term, Suzuki thanked Tsai for her “efforts to promote Japan-Taiwan relations” during her presidency.