On the afternoon of November 25, Vice President Johnny C. Chiang of the Legislative Yuan, accompanied by KMT Legislator Lin Te-Fu, TPP Legislator Chen Gau-Tzu, Deputy Director of the International Affairs Department Yang Fang-Ling, and Deputy Minister of the Overseas Community Affairs Council Joshua Jhao-Syong Ruan, met with the homecoming delegation of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Taiwanese Association in Japan. DPP Legislator Chen Ying also attended the meeting to personally greet the delegation members.
Vice President Chiang expressed a heartfelt welcome to the delegation and took a group photo with the attending legislators and guests. In his remarks, Vice President Chiang stated that the Republic of China (Taiwan) Taiwanese Association in Japan has a long-standing history, having been established in Japan in 1945. He emphasized that it is a highly significant and influential overseas Taiwanese organization. Yesterday (November 24), Taiwan triumphed at the "2024 WBSC Premier 12" championship at Tokyo Dome in Japan, showcasing the outstanding performance of the Taiwanese team to all sectors in Japan. Vice President Chiang expressed confidence that during this visit to Taiwan, everyone has shared in the pride and exhilaration felt by the people of Taiwan, united in celebration. While victory and defeat are part of any competition, the true beneficiary this time is the growing relationship between Taiwan and Japan. The people of Taiwan and Japan share a profound bond, with over 70% of citizens from both sides holding a strong mutual affinity, reflected in their close connections in economic, social, and political spheres. Taiwanese people demonstrate their affection for Japan through their actions. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the proportion of Taiwanese traveling to Japan reached 15%. Adjusted for population size, Taiwanese people undoubtedly rank as the most enthusiastic visitors to Japan in the world.
Vice President Chiang further remarked that during past natural disasters such as earthquakes and epidemics, Taiwan and Japan have consistently shown mutual care and support, exemplifying true friendship in times of adversity. He attributed this strong bond to the deep-rooted efforts of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Taiwanese Association in Japan. Vice President Chiang expressed his gratitude for the association’s longstanding assistance and contributions in fostering and deepening the Taiwan-Japan friendship. He assured the association that should they require any assistance in the future, they are welcome to reach out to Taiwan at any time, emphasizing that the Legislative Yuan will always serve as a steadfast "home" for overseas Taiwanese compatriots.
Vice President Chiang highlighted that the Legislative Yuan’s Taiwan-Japan Friendship Association is chaired by President Daniel K.Y. Han, with vice chairpersons representing multiple political parties. The association has attracted nearly 90 legislators, making it the largest among all parliamentary friendship associations in the Legislative Yuan, underscoring the vibrant exchanges between the parliaments of Taiwan and Japan. This year, Vice President Chiang has visited Japan twice. In March, he led a cross-party delegation to attend the annual meeting of the Asian-Pacific Parliamentarians' Union (APPU). In August, he also led a cross-party delegation to Japan to participate in the Taiwan-Japan Parliamentary Members Friendly Soccer Match. Furthermore, Vice President Chiang has hosted over 100 Japanese parliamentarians this year. Even with potential political shifts following the recent re-election of Japan's House of Representatives, he expressed confidence that the close exchanges and interactions between parliamentarians will continue to deepen the friendship and further strengthen the enduring and robust bilateral relationship. Vice President Chiang concluded by highlighting the robust economic engagement between Taiwan and Japan. Japan stands as Taiwan’s third-largest trading partner, while Taiwan ranks as Japan’s fourth-largest. This year marked a significant milestone with TSMC’s advanced semiconductor fab in Kumamoto commencing mass production, alongside plans for a second fab already underway. These developments inspire confidence in an even closer and more amicable Taiwan-Japan relationship in the future.
Chen Wu-Fu, head of the homecoming delegation of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Taiwanese Association in Japan, expressed gratitude to Vice President Chiang and the legislators for taking the time to meet with them, stating that it was a great honor to visit the Legislative Yuan. The Republic of China (Taiwan) Taiwanese Association in Japan was established immediately after World War II, making it a highly historical expatriate organization and the most representative and significant Taiwanese community group in Japan. The association was founded with the mission of assisting Taiwanese expatriates in Japan to settle and thrive, helping them rebuild their lives in the aftermath of the war's devastation. At the same time, it has remained deeply connected to Taiwan, striving to strengthen Taiwan-Japan relations. He added that through this visit to Taiwan's highest institution of democratic representation, the delegation aims to gain a deeper understanding of Taiwan's current situation and government policies, facilitating the sharing of Taiwan's experiences with friends in Japan.
During the bilateral exchange, Legislator Chen Gau-Tzu shared that Taiwan and Japan have consistently maintained friendly and dynamic interactions, both at the official and grassroots levels. She mentioned that she had pursued advanced studies at Keio University in Japan and that both of her parents had received their education in Japan, fostering a deep affection for the country. The late former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe once stated, "A Taiwan contingency is a Japan contingency," emphasizing that Taiwan and Japan share a common destiny. She added, "A Japan contingency is also a Taiwan contingency," underscoring the necessity of mutual support between the two nations. Legislator Chen emphasized that both Taiwan and Japan are currently facing similar social challenges, such as an aging population and declining birth rates. She expressed her hope for greater exchanges with the visiting delegation on these issues and a deeper understanding of Japan's recent developments in gender equality.
Legislator Lin Te-Fu welcomed the visiting delegation to the Legislative Yuan, noting that many people in Taiwanese society received a Japanese education in earlier times, thereby inheriting and preserving many excellent cultural traditions. As times have changed, Taiwanese society and culture have evolved. However, issues such as declining birth rates, solitary elderly, and isolated seniors are challenges currently shared by both Taiwan and Japan. Legislator Lin expressed hope for mutual learning and collaboration to address these pressing social issues. Although the representatives of the association present have achieved remarkable success in Japan, Taiwan will always remain their roots. Legislator Lin extended his best wishes to the delegation for a successful and rewarding visit in Taiwan!
Both sides engaged in a wide-ranging exchange of views on topics, including declining birth rates, gender equality, social security, cultural differences between Taiwan and Japan, and emergency assistance for overseas nationals. The discussions were lively and conducted in a warm and amicable atmosphere. The delegation proposed enacting legislation to implement mandatory medical insurance for citizens traveling abroad, establishing a strategic think tank to study Japan's social security system, and integrating the strengths of U.S. and Japanese models to enhance national welfare and ensure a secure and fulfilling quality of life.
Vice President Chiang concluded by emphasizing that Taiwan’s democracy embodies the strengths of inclusiveness and swift responsiveness. As the political hub of Taiwan, the Legislative Yuan consistently gathers diverse perspectives and conveys them to various political parties and relevant agencies for consideration and analysis. He sincerely welcomed everyone to visit Taiwan frequently and engage in more exchanges with the Legislative Yuan.
The meeting lasted approximately one hour in a friendly and pleasant atmosphere. Both sides exchanged commemorative gifts and took a group photo, bringing the day's meeting to a successful conclusion.
