Lai meets Japan delegation, calls for closer security, semiconductor ties

Taipei, May 1 (CNA) President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Thursday met with a visiting delegation from the Youth Division of Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) at the Presidential Office, with both sides calling for increased collaborations on security and semiconductors.

Peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are critical to global security and prosperity, Lai told the delegation led by Director of the division Yasutaka Nakasone, who is also a member of the Japanese House of Representatives.

Lai said both sides should have more exchanges in areas that facilitate stability across the broader Indo-Pacific region, without elaborating.

The President also called for deeper collaboration in the semiconductor sector, following Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.'s (TSMC) venture in the Japanese prefecture of Kumamoto.

TSMC's first factory in Kumamoto began mass production last December, and a second plant is under construction.

Taiwan's strength in manufacturing and Japan's advantages in materials, equipment and technology enables the two sides to complement each other, Lai added.

Meanwhile, Nakasone echoed Lai's views, noting that semiconductor cooperation between Taiwan and Japan benefits both sides amid global economic turbulence brought about by U.S. President Donald Trump.

In addition, Japan recognizes the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and will work to raise global awareness of the issue, he said.

Nakasone's delegation arrived in Taiwan on Tuesday for a five-day visit, according to Taiwan's foreign ministry, marking the second Japanese group to visit Taiwan in a week, following a delegation led by Japanese Diet member and former Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi.

Nakasone's delegation also includes House of Representatives members Shojiro Hiranuma, Taku Nemoto and Kaoru Fukuda, and House of Councillors member Masayuki Kamiya.