New Southbound Policy Portal

Minister Lin welcomes Professor Matsuda.
 

Minister Lin exchanges views with the members of the delegation.
 

Minister Lin poses for a photo with the delegation.
 

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung met with a delegation from the University of Tokyo’s cross-strait relations research group on September 1. The delegation was led by Professor Yasuhiro Matsuda and included Professor Yukihito Sato, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Developing Economies; Professor Momoko Kawakami of Kanagawa University; Professor Naoko Eto of Gakushuin University; Professor Rira Momma of Takushoku University; and Dr. Huang Wei-hsiu, Special Research Fellow at the University of Tokyo. The two sides exchanged views on cross-strait relations and developments in the Indo-Pacific region.

Minister Lin welcomed the research group back to Taiwan and stated that Taiwan and Japan had enjoyed close and cordial ties in recent years. He remarked that exchanges and cooperation had continued to deepen, while the number of tourist visits had also grown significantly. Minister Lin emphasized that Taiwan and Japan were both located in key positions in the first island chain and were like-minded democratic partners. He thanked the Japanese government for publicly reiterating the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait at numerous international events. He affirmed that Taiwan would continue to work hand in hand with the international community to safeguard democracy, peace, and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific and the globe.

Minister Lin added that in the face of serious challenges, such as those posed by China’s authoritarian expansionism, he had been fully committed to promoting integrated diplomacy and the three strategic chains since assuming office. He said that in addition to strengthening cooperation with diplomatic allies, Taiwan had also been actively expanding interactions with other countries in such domains as the economy, trade, and technology, thereby creating mutually beneficial outcomes. He expressed hope that Taiwan and Japan would further collaboration in critical areas such as semiconductors, AI, and new energy, as well as jointly building more secure and resilient non-red supply chains.

In his remarks, Professor Matsuda extended his gratitude to Minister Lin for taking time to meet with the delegation and for facilitating other meetings during their stay. He noted that bilateral discussions helped enhance the group’s understanding of cross-strait relations and Taiwan’s current diplomatic landscape. He also observed that Taiwan and Japan both faced common challenges in addressing the tariff policies of US President Donald Trump.

The delegation will also call on President Lai Ching-te and representatives from the National Security Council and the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association. (E)