Vice Premier receives Japanese House of Representatives Member Kaneko Yasushi

Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun on Tuesday received Japanese House of Representatives Member Kaneko Yasushi. The vice premier said that as a member of the Indo-Pacific region, Taiwan hopes to cooperate with Japan to realize its vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific and together uphold regional peace.

The global supply chain of the future will transition from emphasizing cost to valuing partnerships based on security, trust and resilience, the vice premier said. To address this trend, Premier Cho Jung-tai will convene ministries and agencies from across government to jointly promote comprehensive economic, trade and technology diplomacy, in order to strengthen cooperation along the industrial supply chain with like-minded nations. Vice Premier Cheng emphasized that Japan is an important partner for Taiwan, and expressed hope that through both sides' efforts, extensive industrial cooperation can be carried out to jointly create a "technology island chain" in Asia.

In his remarks, Representative Kaneko said that before Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) established a presence in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan had faced a semiconductor shortage which seriously impacted the development of its electronic and automotive industries. He therefore expressed gratitude to TSMC for building its fabrication plant in Kumamoto Prefecture and contributing to the strong growth of Japan's industries. In addition, he said Japan will continue to cooperate with the U.S. to jointly uphold peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific Region, and to preserve security and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Moving forward, Representative Kaneko hopes Taiwan and Japan can cooperate with regard to addressing economic security guarantees, and continue deepening their friendship.