Taiwan Pres. Lai Calls for Deeper Cooperation with Japan

Taipei, June 18 (Jiji Press)–Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te on Thursday called for stronger cooperation with Japan in areas including technology and security. At a press conference in Taipei with foreign media, Lai said Japan and Taiwan are the most important drivers of a free and open Indo-Pacific. Apparently with an eye on building supply chains free from China’s influence, Lai said deeper Taiwan-Japan collaboration in semiconductors, artificial intelligence and unmanned aircraft could help establish democratic supply chains benefiting both sides. He also called for greater coordination on disaster preparedness and maritime security. On maritime boundary delimitation talks between Japan and the Philippines covering waters east of Taiwan, Lai said Taiwan would safeguard its interests in line with international norms and the self-ruled island’s agreements with each of the two countries. Lai stopped short of commenting directly on the talks and instead reiterated Taiwan’s basic stance, apparently seeking to avoid friction with Japan and the Philippines. He, however, rebuked Beijing’s response over the matter. China is not a coastal party in the region and has no right to make any claims, Lai said, at a time when Beijing, which opposes the Japan-Philippines talks, has stepped up patrol activities in waters east of Taiwan. Lai also reiterated that the Republic of China, Taiwan’s official name, and China, officially the People’s Republic of China, are not subordinate to each other, and that Taiwan is not part of the People’s Republic of China. He urged Beijing to renounce the use of force against Taiwan. On a reported U.S. plan to sell arms worth about 14 billion dollars to Taiwan, Lai said he hopes the transaction will be realized as soon as possible. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]