Taiwan donates 20 million Japanese yen to Japan flood relief

Tokyo, July 13 (CNA) The Taiwanese government donated 20 million Japanese yen (US$$181,000) to Japan on Thursday in the wake of heavy rain, flooding and landslides that have caused at least 200 deaths.

Taiwan made the donation to demonstrate its concern over the disaster and assist with the rebuilding of flooded areas, said Frank Hsieh (謝長廷), Taiwan's envoy to Japan.

Hsieh made the remarks as he gave details of the donation to Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association President Yasuaki Tanizaki in Tokyo, adding that he hoped Japanese victims of the flooding will be able to resume their lives and flooded areas return to normal as soon as possible.

He said Taiwan and Japan are prone to natural disasters, noting that the two sides extend a helping hand when the other needs assistance.

Such a friendly relationship has created a "virtuous cycle," Hsieh said, explaining that people-to-people relations are as good as they possibly could be.

While Taiwan is moved to action by the sufferings of Japanese flood victims, Japan was quick to help when Taiwan was struck by earthquakes in Hualien and Tainan, and when there were gas explosions in Kaohsiung over the past few years, he said.

In return, Tanizaki said Japan is deeply grateful for President Tsai Ing-wen's (蔡英文) messages of concern in Japanese via her Twitter account after Japan was hit by torrential rainfall.

Tanizaki said Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe wrote back in Chinese that he is thankful for the sincere condolences and the prompt assistance and donations from many in Taiwan.

Tanizaki added that Japan will always remember the support provided by Taiwan in the aftermath of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, the 2016 earthquake in Kumamoto and the 2017 flooding in northern Kyushu.

He said the 20 million Japanese yen donation will be given to the Japanese Red Cross Society for disaster relief.

Hsieh added that Taiwan would be happy to help try and boost tourism in disaster-hit areas after humanitarian relief work concludes.