Japan's Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has emphasized the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait during a meeting with Taiwan's envoy to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.
Kishida met Morris Chang, founder of a global leader in producing semiconductors, TSMC, on Friday in San Francisco.
During the 30-minute meeting, Kishida talked about the importance of the exchange of people, including in the next generation.
He also stressed that Taiwan is a very important partner with which Japan shares basic values and has economic ties.
Kishida told Chang that Japan wants to strengthen relations with Taiwan in broad areas, such as by exchanges related to the economy and private-sector.
He also underscored the importance of a peaceful solution of the China-Taiwan issue.
Chang in return expressed hope for further strengthening of Taiwan-Japan relations.
When Kishida met Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday on the sidelines of the APEC meeting, he stressed the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
He also told Xi that Japan's position regarding Taiwan has not changed from what is said in the Japan-China Joint Communique of 1972.