Lai Honors Japanese Lawmaker Furuya Keiji for Strengthening Taiwan Ties
President Lai Ching-te has presented Taiwan's highest civilian award to Japanese lawmaker Furuya Keiji in recognition of his longstanding efforts to strengthen Taiwan-Japan relations. Furuya leads a multipartisan parliamentary group that renamed itself in June to explicitly include the word Taiwan, saying the change better reflects the group's mission. Earlier this year, China sanctioned Furuya over what it called collusion with "Taiwan independence forces." Furuya said closer Taiwan-Japan cooperation bolsters economic security and strengthens global supply chains.
Taiwan-Japan Ties
REPORTER:
President Lai Ching-te is celebrating the leader of a Japan-Taiwan parliamentary group, Japanese diet member Furuya Keiji.
Lai Ching-te (TAIWAN PRESIDENT):
I'd like to emphasize that no matter how the international situation changes Taiwan and Japan will always be each other's warmest support and most solid partners. I believe that with the support of Chair Furuya and our distinguished guests Taiwan and Japan will continue to work together to promote mutual prosperity and progress and make greater contributions to peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.
REPORTER:
Lai presented Furuya with Taiwan’s highest civilian award for his longstanding contributions to exchanges between the two sides. In June, the pro-Taiwan multipartisan group he leads changed its name to include the word Taiwan, a move Furuya says more clearly reflects the purpose and aim of the group. China placed sanctions on Furuya in March for alleged collusion with so-called “Taiwan independence forces” after his last visit to Taiwan.
Furuya Keiji (CHAIR, JAPAN-TAIWAN DIET MEMBERS’ CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL):
(using mandarin interpretation of japanese)
I believe that if Japan and Taiwan, which share common values, can further deepen cooperation and establish a more robust economic partnership, it will help mitigate risks, strengthen economic security, and enhance the resilience of international supply chains.
REPORTER:
Furuya's delegation is working to establish more links between Taiwan and his constituency in central Japan.
