Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara Minoru announced that Tokyo will strengthen a “constructive and stable” relationship with Taiwan at a press conference this Wednesday, Oct. 22. He characterized Japan-Taiwan relations as being non-governmental and practical, while calling Taiwan an “important partner” and “close friend,” per CNA’s report.

According to Kihara’s office, after assuming the position of chief Cabinet secretary, he will continue serving as the secretary general of the Japan-ROC Diet Members' Consultative Council, a cross-party legislative alliance focused on relations with Taiwan.

Regarding the administration’s relations with Beijing, Kihara explained that both Japanese and Chinese leaders had confirmed their intentions to comprehensively promote a strategic, mutually beneficial, and stable relationship. He added that the government will try to avoid issues through strengthening communication.