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Japanese lawmakers are flocking to Taiwan, a trend that could hamper efforts to repair Tokyo-Beijing relations that have deteriorated after remarks by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
A high-ranking member of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party visited Taiwan from Sunday and met with President Lai Ching-te for about an hour on Monday.
"Taiwan is an important partner and friend for Japan with whom we share universal values and have close economic ties and people-to-people exchanges," said Koichi Hagiuda, who currently serves as the LDP's acting secretary-general.
Other Japanese lawmakers including former Justice Minister Keisuke Suzuki and Akihisa Nagashima, a former adviser to the prime minister, met with Lai and former Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen on Tuesday.
Japan lacks formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan at the government level, instead using the bipartisan Japan-ROC Diet Members' Consultative Council and LDP youth groups as channels for building relations. ROC refers to Republic of China, Taiwan's official name.
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Taiwan's Foreign Ministry said about 30 Japanese parliament members would visit Taiwan during the New Year's period.
Takaichi's government is notable for its many pro-Taiwan members.
The Japan-ROC group's executives include Hagiuda, LDP Election Strategy Committee Chairman Keiji Furuya and Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara. Takaichi herself visited Taiwan in April before becoming prime minister, accompanied by other party officials.
Furuya also met with Lai in Taiwan in October, coinciding with Taiwan's National Day.
While Tokyo's relations with Taipei stand at a high point, Japan-China relations face an uncertain future.
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