LDP Lawmakers Meet with Tsai during Taiwan Visit

By Takahiro Suzuki / Yomiuri Shimbun Correspondent

13:27 JST, May 5, 2023

TAIPEI — A Liberal Democratic Party member of the House of Representatives who met Thursday with Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen in Taipei said the two countries should work together to maintain the world order.

Norikazu Suzuki, director of the LDP’s Youth Division, was quoted as saying by the Taiwan Presidential Office with a nod to China: “We will not tolerate unilateral changes to the status quo by force or coercion. Japan and Taiwan should cooperate to send a message to the international community.”

In response, Tsai called for “continuing cooperation to achieve even more through the Taiwan-Japan friendship.” Suzuki was among other Japanese lawmakers to visit Taiwan.

Akiko Santo, former President of the House of Councillors, also met Tsai on the day, and promised support for Taiwan to wield influence in international organizations.