Taiwan’s Lai Hails Takaichi Election Win, Sees Chance to Deepen Security Ties With Japan

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te on Saturday congratulated Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on her party's victory in Japan's House of Representatives election, describing the result as a clear endorsement of her leadership and long-term vision, while reaffirming Taiwan's commitment to closer cooperation with Japan.

In a post written in Japanese on X  on the evening of February 8, Lai praised the Liberal Democratic Party's success in securing a parliamentary majority and framed the outcome as a reflection of voter confidence in Takaichi's leadership.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on her victory in the House of Representatives election,” Lai wrote. “The Liberal Democratic Party's success in securing a majority of seats reflects the trust and expectations of Japanese voters in Prime Minister Takaichi's leadership and vision. This result represents not only an evaluation of the current administration, but also a clear show of support for the prime minister's efforts toward Japan's long-term national development.”

Looking ahead, Lai emphasized the importance of Taiwan–Japan cooperation in addressing regional challenges and promoting stability across the Indo-Pacific.

“Through cooperation with Prime Minister Takaichi, I look forward to Taiwan and Japan continuing to work together, guided by shared values and a spirit of mutual benefit and cooperation, to address regional challenges and promote peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific,” he said. “I hope this victory will bring even greater prosperity and a safer future for Japan and its regional partners. I also wish Japan continued sustainable development and the well-being of its people.”

Separately, Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) issued a formal statement congratulating Japan on the smooth conduct of the election and welcoming the victory of the Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partners, saying the outcome reflected renewed public trust in the ruling team led by Prime Minister Takaichi.

The DPP noted that Takaichi has emphasized strengthening Japan's defense capabilities while continuing the “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” vision advanced by former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe—an approach that has drawn close attention in Taiwan.

According to the party, Japan's policy direction closely aligns with President Lai's emphasis on economic security, supply chain cooperation, and deeper coordination among like-minded partners to safeguard regional stability.

The statement added that Taiwan and Japan share core democratic values, including freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, and have built long-standing cooperation across economic, technological, security, cultural, and people-to-people exchanges.

The DPP said it looks forward to further deepening Taiwan–Japan relations and pledged to continue close engagement with political parties across Japan, with the goal of strengthening the democratic partnership between the two sides and contributing to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
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