Taipei: President Lai Ching-te on Saturday congratulated Sanae Takaichi on her election as the 29th president of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), expressing his hope to deepen Taiwan-Japan ties in all areas.
According to Focus Taiwan, Lai described Takaichi as “a staunch friend of Taiwan” and expressed his aspiration to elevate Japan-Taiwan relations to a new level, aiming to strengthen security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. In a statement from Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Lai, who serves as the DPP’s chairman, also extended his gratitude to all five candidates for their support of Taiwan.
Lai also expressed his appreciation to outgoing LDP President Shigeru Ishiba, acknowledging his role in deepening Taiwan-Japan ties and contributing to regional stability during his tenure as Japan’s prime minister. Following the election, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung instructed the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan to send a congratulatory message on behalf of Taiwan, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Takaichi, a former Japanese economic security minister, secured the presidency on her third attempt after previous losses in 2021 and 2024. Japan will convene an extraordinary Diet session to elect a successor to Ishiba, with Takaichi set to become the country’s first female prime minister.
