Japan-Taiwan Relations

The move to allow produce from Fukushima and other prefectures is a breakthrough in relations.

The import ban on foods from Fukushima and nearby provinces has long been a stumbling block to closer economic relations between Taiwan and Japan, but Tsai Ing-wen is taking a political gamble by lifting the restrictions.

Abe Shinzo’s pointed comments on Taiwan drew an angry reaction from Beijing.

The Japan-Taiwan renaissance seen in 2021 may not last, but one element will certainly stay: the public acknowledgment that Taiwan and Japan’s security are linked.

The interaction between legislators was intended as the equivalent of more formal “2+2” talks.

Taiwan’s rush to vaccinate its population has led to political bickering over the potential use of domestically produced COVID-19 inoculations.

Tokyo has finally begun to openly recognize that the peace and security of the Taiwan Strait directly impacts that of Japan.

In addition to a U.S. under secretary of state, a former Japanese prime minister was also in attendance.

While Fukushima suffered a blow, trade ties between Japan and Taiwan avoided any major impact.

Tsai Ing-wen promises to stay the course on cross-strait relations, while pursuing “values-based diplomacy” abroad.

Seven years after the disaster and relations are strong, with one exception.