Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party won in a landslide this week, securing a supermajority of the 465-member House of Representatives. Taiwan’s Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴), attending a Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association event this Monday, commented on bilateral relations and expressed anticipation for further cooperation.

Hsiao said Taiwan and Japan’s friendship has long transcended geographical distance, having evolved into a close spiritual bond. The friendship is built on deep mutual trust and shared values, she noted, saying that people-to-people exchanges, disaster relief, and economic and trade cooperation continue strengthening.

The vice president pointed out that Taiwan deeply understands that peace relies on strength as it faces regional challenges. Therefore, she explained, Taiwan will continue to increase its defense budget and strengthen its defense resilience, demonstrating its firm determination to safeguard sovereignty and democracy.

Hsiao congratulated Prime Minister Takaichi in her speech and in interviews, stating that the strong public support Takaichi has received affirms her outstanding leadership.

The vice president said, “Prime Minister Takaichi has long been very supportive of Taiwan and friendly towards Taiwan. I believe this will create new opportunities and strengthen the relationship between Taiwan and Japan.” She added, “In the future, regardless of the various challenges facing the region, including the Japanese government’s reaffirmation of the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, we look forward to both sides further deepening cooperation in various fields.”

Japanese Representative to Taiwan Kazuyuki Katayama also spoke at the event. He emphasized Taiwan’s importance to Japan and expressed hope that the two would create an irreplaceable Japan-Taiwan partnership amid unstable international circumstances.