Taiwan’s Vice Premier Cheng Wen-tsan is currently visiting Japan, marking an important milestone as it is the first visit by a sitting vice premier in 29 years. The visit takes place against the backdrop of escalating tensions between China and Taiwan, as well as a notable increase in cooperation between the two countries.
During his visit, Cheng held meetings with Japanese officials, including Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi and Economy Minister Koichi Hagiuda. The discussions primarily revolved around enhancing economic ties, with a specific focus on the chip industry. Taiwan, known for its semiconductor production, and Japan, a leader in chip design, are exploring avenues for collaboration in this sector.
In a parallel development, a delegation of US lawmakers is heading to Taipei. The delegation is led by Senator Tammy Duckworth. Their visit to Taipei aims to foster discussions on security cooperation between the United States and Taiwan.
These visits by Cheng and the US lawmakers reflect the increasing support Taiwan is receiving from its allies. As China asserts its claims over Taiwan more aggressively, the international community is signaling its solidarity with Taiwan. China has explicitly warned of using force to bring the island under its control, but these visits challenge that stance.
Taiwan and Japan have been building warmer relations in recent years. Their enhanced cooperation is evident in various domains such as trade, investment, and security. Taiwan’s visit to Japan serves the purpose of diversifying its diplomatic ties. It aims to strengthen relationships not only within the region but also with the United States. This strategic approach is aimed at counterbalancing China’s expanding influence.
