Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike embarked on a two-day visit to Taiwan, reinforcing ties with the island's leadership. Despite facing criticism from China, Koike remained steadfast in her mission to strengthen cooperation.
During her meeting with President Tsai Ing-wen, Koike expressed gratitude for Taiwan's assistance in the aftermath of the Noto Peninsula earthquake. They also discussed potential avenues for collaboration in disaster preparedness.
Koike's schedule included a meeting with Vice President and President-elect Lai Ching-te. Lai expressed his aspirations for more robust relations with Japan and reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding stability in the Taiwan Strait and regional harmony.
Koike acknowledged the shared areas of cooperation between the two sides, extending beyond disaster prevention.
Koike also engaged with Digital Affairs Minister Audrey Tang, renowned for her effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an, who holds the unique distinction of being the great-grandson of Taiwan's first president, Chiang Kai-shek.
Upon her return to Tokyo, Koike expressed her satisfaction with the visit's outcomes, having secured agreements for cooperation in various fields. She highlighted the common challenges faced by Tokyo and Taipei, such as the declining birthrate, and their mutual commitment to sharing policy outcomes.
While China expressed disapproval of Koike's visit, Koike maintained that cooperation between cities plays a vital role in urban diplomacy.