Taipei: Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung on Thursday confirmed that he visited Japan last month, adding that China’s “backlash” over the trip will not affect the cordial relations between Taipei and Tokyo. It was the first time Lin had publicly acknowledged the reported trip. While this was not the first visit to Japan by a Taiwanese top diplomat, such trips are rarely disclosed due to the absence of official diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Japan.

According to Focus Taiwan, Lin was asked by reporters in Taipei about the visit and stated that Taiwan is “making friends with countries around the world.” Lin emphasized the natural bond between Taiwan and Japan, highlighting that during his visit, he attended Expo 2025 Osaka and met with Japanese friends.

The visit was initially brought to light last month by Japanese lawmaker Keiji Furuya, a supporter of Taiwan. In a Facebook post on July 25, Furuya, a member of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party and chair of the Japan-ROC Diet Members’ Consultative Council, announced his meeting with Lin and other Japanese officials, including Sanae Takaichi.

Furuya’s post included a group photo with Lin and Taiwan’s representative to Japan, Lee Yi-yang. Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs later clarified that Lin’s visit was made in a private capacity.

China, viewing Taiwan as part of its territory, reacted strongly, postponing a Japan-China agricultural ministers’ meeting planned for August 11 in Tokyo. Beijing also lodged a protest with Tokyo, accusing Japan of supporting anti-China separatist activities.

Local media reported that Lin also visited the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan, which acts as Taiwan’s de facto embassy in the absence of formal diplomatic ties.