Former Minister for Economic Security Sanae Takaichi of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) meets with Lin Yu-chang, Secretary-General of Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) (right), December 10 the National Diet building. (©Sankei by Shimpei Okuhara)
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On December 10, former Minister for Economic Security Sanae Takaichi of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) met with Lin Yu-chang. Lin is the Secretary-General of Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). During their meeting, Lin stated that, for Taiwan, Japan was "More like family than a friend."
In response, Takaichi said, "I absolutely love Taiwan." The meeting was reportedly requested by Lin, who was in Tokyo. Like others, he recognized Takaichi as a prominent pro-Taiwan politician.
Sustain the DPP Administration
Lin opened the discussion by praising Takaichi as "a politician who has faithfully continued former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's policies." He also described her as well-versed in economic security and Taiwan Strait issues.
Elsewhere in their talk, he cited the camaraderie between Japan and Taiwan evident during the recent Premier 12 baseball tournament. Fans from both nations celebrated together during the November tournament. As he spoke about this friendship, he called for closer party-to-party exchanges.
Takaichi expressed deep concern over Chinese President Xi Jinping's ambitions for Taiwan's unification and voiced support for the DPP. "I hope the DPP maintains its administration, which does not recognize the 'One China' principle," she said. She also reflected on her loss to Shigeru Ishiba in the LDP presidential race in September. "Many worried that relations with Beijing would deteriorate if I became president," she remarked, emphasizing her dedication to Taiwan-Japan collaboration.
Arriving in Japan on December 7, Lin held discussions with several Japanese politicians, including LDP Secretary-General Hiroyuki Moriyama. In addition, he also spoke with leaders from the Constitutional Democratic Party and Nippon Ishin no Kai. He stated that his visit to Takaichi was "to express gratitude for her support for Taiwan's position."
Laughter and Levity
During the meeting, Takaichi commented that Lin resembled former LDP Policy Research Council Chair Koichi Hagiuda. "You are slimmer, but you have similar eyes," she said before quickly adding, "But you are far more handsome." Her remarks drew smiles from both sides.
Accompanying Lin was DPP member Mai Yamada, a Japanese-Taiwanese city councilor from Banqiao District, New Taipei City. Her district's name caused some amusement during the meeting, as the kanji for Banqiao District (板橋区) is the same as that of Tokyo's Itabashi Ward (板橋区).
Although Takaichi had planned to visit Taiwan earlier this year, internal party coordination prevented the trip. She expressed strong determination to visit Taiwan after the current Diet session. Her plans include meeting Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te and visiting the Abe statue in Kaohsiung.
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Author: Shimpei Okuhara
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