TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) revealed on Tuesday (Nov. 12) his meeting with former Japanese ambassador Hideo Tarumi (垂秀夫) the day before to discuss critical regional issues and strengthen bilateral ties. Lin praised Tarumi on social media as a pivotal figure in facilitating Taiwanese visa-free travel to Japan.
Lin emphasized the global concern of Taiwan Strait peace and urged that cross-strait relations be considered within the framework of international relations. During their previous meeting in May, former President Tsai Ing-wen awarded Tarumi the Order of the Brilliant Star for his exceptional contributions to Taiwan-Japan relations.
After retiring from a 40-year diplomatic career, Tarumi has pursued photography and research on cross-strait and Taiwan issues at Ritsumeikan University in Japan. Lin relayed Tarumi's remarks, stressing that Japan and the international community must understand Taiwan's significance.
The meeting addressed economic and security challenges posed by China's rise, highlighting its attempts to alter the rules-based international order. Lin pointed out Taiwan's semiconductor industry as a national strength, with its technology rooted locally and production lines globally distributed.
Japan's robust semiconductor materials supply chain foundation offers opportunities for enhanced Taiwan-Japan collaboration to boost industry competitiveness. Lin also noted the clear division of labor in the Taiwan-U.S. semiconductor supply chain, with the U.S. designing and Taiwan manufacturing, benefiting both parties.
Lin expressed gratitude for Tarumi's long-standing efforts to promote Taiwan-Japan cooperation and hoped he would continue to exert influence in the future.