Taiwan and Japan have signed a memorandum of understanding to share information on foreign nationals seeking to travel from Taiwan to Japan. According to Japanese media, the memorandum was created with the intent to prevent Chinese espionage.

The MOU, officially called the Memorandum of Cooperation Between the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association and the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association Regarding Information Sharing on Immigration Matters, was signed in late December 2024, according to the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association.

The Yomiuri Shimbun, a Japanese news media outlet, reported that the memorandum was in response to a possible situation in Taiwan, which they call “Taiwan contingency,” and indicated it would be triggered by Chinese actions. According to the outlet, if China were to invade Taiwan and a large number of Taiwanese and other non-Japanese nationals were to evacuate to Taiwan, Chinese agents may try to conceal themselves among the evacuees.

The Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association explained that the MOU was not intended to address the “Taiwan contingency,” and instead is intended to facilitate information sharing between the two governments to effectively screen individuals in accordance with immigration laws.

Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry also further provided clarification on Tuesday that no memorandum was signed between Taiwan and Japan regarding a “Taiwan contingency,” and noted that Taiwan does not unilaterally provide immigration information to foreign countries. The ministry welcomed the continued close Taiwan-Japan cooperation and strengthening partnership.