Following intensive bilateral negotiations, Japan agreed to provide Taiwan with 1.24 million doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to jointly combat the pandemic. The vaccine doses are scheduled to arrive in Taiwan in the afternoon of June 4. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) expresses heartfelt appreciation for Japan’s timely assistance.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the world, Taiwan took decisive measures to curb the spread of the disease and donated antipandemic resources to help other countries fight the pandemic. Such actions were widely recognized by the international community. The latest wave of the pandemic has been severe, and in light of increasing local transmissions in Taiwan and the vocal support of Japanese friends of Taiwan across many sectors, Japan decided to provide Taiwan with vaccine doses despite the seriousness of its own situation. This shows great empathy and a humanitarian spirit. With this strengthening of antipandemic cooperation with Japan, we look forward to jointly overcoming this crisis. On behalf of the government and people of Taiwan, MOFA expresses sincere appreciation to the government of Japan and friends from all sectors of Japan’s society.

Taiwan and Japan have long enjoyed a close, strong friendship. Whenever a disaster or major incident has occurred, the two sides have always quickly extended a helping hand to the other. Over the years, we have established a model for mutual assistance. During the pandemic, the two countries both have had citizens stranded abroad. From repatriating Taiwan citizens onboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship via a chartered flight to Japan’s assistance in helping Taiwan citizens return home from Peru, India, Fiji, Russia, and Tuvalu, these successful efforts have been made under close bilateral cooperation. During the annual World Health Assembly in May this year, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and numerous other key Japanese political figures made successive statements in support of Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Organization. Japan’s generous provision of vaccine doses will greatly strengthen Taiwan’s antipandemic efforts and keep our citizens healthy. This demonstrates that Taiwan and Japan are indeed friends in times of trouble, and testifies to our long and enduring friendship. The government and people of Taiwan will always remember the warm support of friends in Japan.

Taiwan and Japan share the universal values of freedom and democracy, and in many respects are each other’s critical partners and valued friends. Taiwan will continue to strengthen relations with Japan on this solid foundation. As humanity continues to face the threat posed by the pandemic, Taiwan hopes to bolster cooperation with Japan on public health and antipandemic efforts so as to curb the pandemic and safeguard the health of all. (E)