Japan eyes stronger ties with Taiwan following Tsai's election

[yuiyoshida]

The Japanese government has generally welcomed the election of Democratic Progressive Party leader Tsai Ying-wen as Taiwan's new president, predicting that Japan-Taiwan relations will improve from those seen under the administration of Nationalist President Ma Ying-jeou, who adopted a hard-line stance.

At the same time, however, there are concerns that relations between Taiwan and mainland China could grow tense, as Tsai's Democratic Progressive Party has strong aspirations for independence, and Japan intends to keep its eyes on Tsai's political dexterity as she moves to form a new administration.

Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida released a comment congratulating Tsai on her victory in the recent presidential election.

"Taiwan is an important partner that shares basic values. We will work to further deepen cooperation and exchange as part of a working relationship on a nongovernmental basis," Kishida stated.

http://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20160118/p2a/00m/0na/022000c

[pangaia]

1. Personally, I was very glad to see Tsai Ying-wen's victory.

The same is true for each of my friends in Taiwan.

I wish them the very best. And the same for my Japanese friends.

[LittleBlue]

2. And we all know why

The goal is to form a Pacific alliance against China.