ASIATODAY.ID, TAIPEI – Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te received former Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary and current House of Representatives member Katsunobu Kato on Thursday, January 16, 2026, underscoring the deepening Japan–Taiwan alliance amid mounting political and military pressure from Beijing across the region.
President Lai expressed his appreciation for Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s consistent support for Taiwan, voiced repeatedly in international forums.
He said Tokyo’s stance reflects Japan’s firm commitment to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait at a time when China’s authoritarian influence is becoming increasingly assertive.
Lai stressed that the strengthening of Japan–Taiwan ties goes beyond symbolic diplomacy and is backed by tangible cooperation. The signing of the Digital Trade Agreement and the Regional Customs Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding in December, he noted, demonstrates both sides’ determination to deepen economic integration and secure supply chains amid growing geopolitical pressure from Beijing.
In an increasingly tense regional environment, President Lai said Japan’s unwavering support for closer ties with Taiwan sends a strong signal that the alliance is grounded in shared strategic interests, particularly the preservation of a free, open, and stable Indo-Pacific.
Kato, for his part, highlighted that the strengthening alliance is also reflected at the societal level.
According to recent opinion polls, mutual public goodwill between Japan and Taiwan has reached its highest level in history, reinforcing the political and diplomatic foundations of their partnership.
He added that Taiwan’s support for the Osaka World Expo symbolized the resilience of Japan–Taiwan cooperation despite Beijing’s pressure.
Kato expressed hope that bilateral collaboration would continue to expand through international platforms as part of a long-term strategic partnership. (AT Network)
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