Frank Hsieh selected as Taiwan-Japan Relations Association chairman

Taipei, Jan. 6 (CNA) Frank Hsieh (謝長廷), Taiwan's former representative to Japan, assumed the chairmanship of the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association (TJRA) on Tuesday, succeeding Su Jia-chyuan (蘇嘉全) in leading the body responsible for representing Taipei's interests in Tokyo in the absence of diplomatic ties.

Hsieh, 79, said he was honored to be taking over the role after serving as Taiwan's representative to Japan for eight years (2016-2024), stating that his goal is to bring the cordial relationship between the two nations to a new pinnacle.

In a Facebook post, Hsieh expressed his gratitude to Su and the other association members for their contributions to the bilateral relations over the past three years.

"I am dedicated to moving forward and elevating the Taiwan-Japan friendship into a partnership defined by a shared sense of community, fostering peace and prosperity."

According to Kuo Jyh-huei (郭智輝), an association member and former minister of economic affairs, Hsieh was selected as the next chairman on Tuesday, which was followed by an official handover ceremony.

The TJRA was established in 1972 shortly after Japan severed diplomatic ties with the Republic of China (Taiwan). It serves as a semi-official body overseen by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to manage relations with Japan, operating alongside its Japanese counterpart, the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association.