Taipei: President Lai Ching-te on Tuesday extended his congratulations to Sanae Takaichi, the newly elected leader of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), as she becomes the 104th prime minister of Japan. This announcement was made through the president’s spokeswoman, Karen Kuo, who emphasized the anticipated deepening of the friendly relationship between Taipei and Tokyo under Takaichi’s leadership.
According to Focus Taiwan, Takaichi, known for her Taiwan-friendly stance, secured a majority in both the Lower and Upper Houses of Japan’s National Diet, marking a historic moment as Japan’s first female prime minister. Previously, she served as the minister of state for economic security from 2022 to 2024, and her victory in the LDP leadership runoff against Shinjiro Koizumi on October 4 signifies a significant shift in Japanese politics.
Kuo highlighted that Taiwan and Japan are “trusted partners,” sharing similar democratic values. She expressed optimism about enhancing bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including economic trade, technology, disaster prevention, and security. She also noted recent support from Japan, such as the donation of a water level observation buoy to Taiwan following a typhoon-induced disaster in Hualien.
Additionally, Kuo conveyed President Lai’s gratitude to former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba for his commitment to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The president remains confident in the growth of Taiwan-Japan friendship, contributing to regional peace and prosperity. Takaichi’s victory in the LDP presidency came after unsuccessful attempts in 2021 and 2024.
Following Takaichi’s LDP leadership win, Taiwanese scholars Yang Chun-chih and Li Shui-hui expressed optimism about future Taipei-Tokyo relations. Both academics regard Takaichi as aligned with the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s policy direction and see potential for substantial breakthroughs in bilateral ties.
Li suggested that Taiwan should prepare a list of issues to discuss with Takaichi’s cabinet, while Yang anticipated a return to more “active and positive” developments in Taiwan-Japan relations, akin to the Abe administration.