Chinese authorities call in Japanese envoy to discuss matters concerning Taiwanese stability and protection of Chinese nationals.
In the complex web of East Asian relations, the bond between Taiwan and Japan continues to strengthen, particularly in economic and security areas, despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties and ongoing tensions with China related to Taiwan’s status.
Currently, economic cooperation between Taiwan and Japan is robust, with a focus on semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and defense cooperation. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has emphasized the importance of enhancing mutual competitiveness and economic resilience through cooperation in these sectors [1].
Diplomatic relations between the two nations are also warming. In a significant move, Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung made a rare publicized visit to Japan in July 2025, meeting Japanese lawmakers and officials. This visit, though informal and unofficial due to Japan’s adherence to the One-China policy, has reaffirmed strong Taipei-Tokyo connections. Despite China's negative reactions, including the postponement of planned Japan-China ministerial meetings and lodging protests, Taiwan and Japan have continued their engagement [2][3].
Historical issues remain sensitive, especially with China condemning Japanese politicians’ visits to the Yasukuni Shrine, which commemorates Japan’s WWII role and includes convicted war criminals. However, these issues have not significantly undermined Japan-Taiwan ties [4].
Regarding territorial disputes, there is no direct territorial conflict between Japan and Taiwan. However, the nearby Taiwan-controlled Kinmen islands are a focus of PRC efforts to integrate infrastructure with the Chinese mainland (Fujian Province), illustrating China’s pressure on Taiwan in the region. Japan does not claim Taiwanese territory and instead focuses on broader regional security and stability, often in cooperation with Taiwan [4].
The commemorations to mark the end of World War II are expected to exacerbate tensions between China and Japan. The Taiwan issue, another source of friction between China and Japan, may further complicate matters during these commemorations. Japan, like most countries, does not formally recognize Taiwan as an independent state, a factor contributing to the ongoing tension [5].
In a recent development, Liu Jinsong, director general of the department of Asian affairs, summoned Akira Yokochi, chief minister of Japan's embassy in Beijing, on Wednesday, in response to issues including history, Taiwan, and the safety of Chinese citizens in Japan [6].
Despite these challenges, the Taiwan-Japan relationship can be characterised as strategic, pragmatic, and growing amid broader regional tensions involving China and historical sensitivities in East Asia [1][2][3][4]. Beijing's stance on Taiwan's reunification with the mainland and Japan's non-recognition of Taiwan as an independent state continue to be points of disagreement [7].
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