TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) expressed gratitude Friday (Dec. 5) for Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's (高市早苗) commitment to Taiwan. China, the People's Republic of China, retaliated by boycotting travel to Japan and canceling Japanese artists' performances.
Cho's remarks came amid China's strong backlash over Takaichi's recent comments on Taiwan supporting justice and peace in the region. The premier welcomed Japanese performers to Taiwan, promising enthusiastic receptions from Taiwanese audiences as an alternative to canceled Chinese performances. Cho emphasized Taiwan's commitment to regional stability and bilateral cooperation.
Cho, accompanied by key officials, met with Shuzo Sumi (隅修三), chairman of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, to discuss bilateral relations and regional cooperation between the two nations. He praised Takaichi's stance on regional stability and welcomed Japanese performers to Taiwan, promising enthusiastic receptions from Taiwanese audiences and cultural exchange opportunities. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation amid regional tensions.
The premier highlighted President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) recent speeches on defense resilience and asymmetric warfare, emphasizing that strength ensures peace in the region and deters aggression. Cho expressed hope for safety in Taiwan, Japan, and globally amid increasing regional security concerns and geopolitical tensions. He noted the government's support for Taiwanese industries' global expansion and the recent award of the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun to former envoy Frank Hsieh (謝長廷).
Sumi highlighted Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.'s (TSMC, 台積電) Kumamoto plant as a testament to semiconductor cooperation between Taiwan and Japan. He mentioned the signing of a regional customs cooperation memorandum and a digital trade agreement between the two nations. Sumi will attend a meeting to encourage joint ventures in third countries, expanding bilateral economic partnerships. ◼
