On the morning of August 26, Legislative Yuan Vice President Dr. Johnny C. Chiang (江啟臣) led a cross-party delegation to attend the closing ceremony of the 54th General Assembly of the Asian-Pacific Parliamentarians' Union (APPU). Following the ceremony, accompanied by Ambassador Lee Yi-Yang of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan, the delegation attended a luncheon with Arimura Haruko, Chairperson of the General Council of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), and parliamentarians from the party’s Youth Division.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Lee first expressed his appreciation to Taiwanese and Japanese parliamentarians for taking the time to attend the luncheon and to Japan, the host country of this year’s APPU General Assembly, for its support in securing the adoption of the three resolutions proposed by Taiwan, marking a new chapter in Taiwan’s parliamentary diplomacy.
Ambassador Lee further noted that in the face of heightened geopolitical tensions, Taiwan and Japan must stand together to strengthen economic security and deepen cooperation. Strengthening the friendship between Taiwan and Japan also depends on the sustained efforts of parliamentarians from both countries. The Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan will continue working to help both sides deepen exchanges and cooperation.
In his remarks, Vice President Chiang thanked the Japanese hosts for their careful arrangements, which contributed to the successful conclusion of this year’s APPU meeting with the participation of its member countries. As the Legislative Yuan delegation prepared to return to Taiwan, he said, having the opportunity to meet with Councillor Arimura Haruko and friends from the LDP was the perfect way to end their visit to Japan. On behalf of the Legislative Yuan and its President Daniel K.Y. Han (韓國瑜), Vice President Chiang also conveyed his heartfelt sympathy to those affected by the recent earthquake in Kumamoto and heavy rains in Chiba, expressing hope that they could resume their normal lives as soon as possible.
Vice President Chiang also expressed particular appreciation to Councillor Arimura for her long-standing support for Taiwan’s international participation, noting that she is a steadfast friend of Taiwan. Earlier that month, he said, Councillor Arimura and members of the LDP Youth Division had made separate visits to Taiwan. Their coming together again that day with the Legislative Yuan delegation, he said, was the best illustration of the steadfast friendship between the two sides.
Vice President Chiang further stated that the people of Taiwan and Japan maintain close ties in economic affairs, trade, culture, and all aspects of daily life. He cited several examples of the steady development of relations between Taiwan and Japan: bilateral trade totaled US$84.8 billion last year (2025), spending by Taiwanese visitors in Japan exceeded 1 trillion yen, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) had begun mass production at its first plant in Kumamoto, and its second plant was set to introduce more advanced manufacturing processes. He stressed that industries in Taiwan and Japan are highly complementary. Japan, he said, is actively promoting the development of 17 strategic industrial sectors, including artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductors. These efforts align with this year’s APPU General Assembly’s theme of strengthening supply chain and economic resilience in the Asia-Pacific region and will also create more opportunities for cooperation between Taiwan and Japan.
Vice President Chiang concluded by noting that parliamentary exchanges have always been an important foundation of relations between Taiwan and Japan. He expressed hope for more frequent mutual visits, whether in Taiwan or Japan, so that this cherished friendship could be passed down from generation to generation.
Councillor Arimura spoke next, first thanking Vice President Chiang for bringing the Legislative Yuan delegation to Japan. She noted that the people of Taiwan have always readily extended a helping hand, whether following the earthquake in Kumamoto or heavy rains in Chiba. The people of Japan likewise empathize deeply with those affected by natural disasters in Taiwan, she said, describing the mutual understanding, support, and profound friendship between the two sides as deeply moving.
Councillor Arimura noted that the LDP Youth Division is not only a bridge between Taiwan and Japan, but also a cradle for future political leaders. Through repeated exchanges, she said, its members have gradually developed a deeper understanding of and greater affection for Taiwan. She added that exchanges between the LDP and Taiwan had recently been elevated to a higher level. Her visit earlier that month, she said, marked the first visit to Taiwan by a serving Chairperson of the LDP’s General Council. She expressed hope that relations between Taiwan and Japan would continue to deepen.
In closing, Councillor Arimura invited all the guests to join her in a toast. The luncheon then began, and the two sides held wide-ranging discussions on regional developments, supply chain resilience, and talent exchanges in a relaxed and cordial atmosphere.
The luncheon ended with closing remarks by Karen Makishima, a member of Japan’s House of Representatives and former Director of the LDP Youth Division, bringing both the approximately two-hour gathering and the delegation’s visit to Japan to a successful close. (2026/08/26)
