President Lai meets Kanagawa team to boost semiconductor, AI non‑China supply chain

President Lai Ching‑te met with the visiting delegation from the Japan‑China Friendship Association of Kanagawa Prefecture in Taipei today. The two sides conducted in‑depth discussions on economic and trade ties, industrial supply‑chain security, and regional peace and stability. Lai stressed that Taiwan and Japan have long shared a deep friendship that endures in times of natural disaster and international challenge, and that the two countries play indispensable roles as partners in trade and technology. Facing the current volatile geopolitical environment, he highlighted Taiwan’s global leadership in semiconductor and artificial‑intelligence manufacturing, and noted Kanagawa Prefecture’s outstanding research‑and‑development capabilities and precision‑manufacturing strength. Lai expressed hope that the two sides could further expand cooperation, jointly build a safer, more resilient “non‑red” supply chain, and safeguard the economic security of the democratic camp worldwide.

Kanagawa Prefecture is a major industrial and technology hub within the Tokyo metropolitan area and has long maintained close civil and local exchanges with Taiwan. Local friendship groups such as the Japan‑China Friendship Association have been key bridges in advancing substantive Taiwan‑Japan relations. The recent visit underscores the high regard Japanese local politicians hold for Taiwan and highlights how local‑level interactions have deepened to the strategic‑industry level. Taiwan has actively pursued industrial transformation and upgrading in recent years, demonstrating strong momentum in advanced semiconductor processes, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, and green‑energy technologies. Kanagawa companies are renowned for machinery, chemicals, automotive parts, and advanced‑materials research. The complementary nature of the two regions’ industrial structures lays a solid foundation for future substantive cooperation.

At this pivotal moment of global supply‑chain reorganization, building a “non‑red” supply chain has become a shared strategic goal for democratic countries seeking to secure economic and national security. With ongoing US‑China trade friction and rising geopolitical risk, dependence on a single country or high‑risk region has exposed significant vulnerabilities. Taiwan, as the core hub of the global semiconductor industry, controls key advanced‑chip manufacturing technology and is an essential link in the democratic supply chain. Lai’s proposal to partner with Kanagawa Prefecture to create secure, resilient supply chains echoes the international community’s urgent call for de‑risking and diversification. By combining Taiwan’s mass‑production manufacturing advantage with Japan’s foundational R&D strength, the two sides can build a trustworthy, mutually beneficial, highly resilient industrial ecosystem.

Beyond trade and industry, the deep friendship between Taiwan and Japan rests on shared democratic, free, and rule‑of‑law values. Both countries occupy key positions along the first island chain of the Indo‑Pacific and face similar regional security challenges. They share strategic interests in maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the wider Indo‑Pacific region. Japanese politicians have long advocated for Taiwan on the international stage, supporting its participation in the World Health Organization and other international bodies. This steadfast support has left a lasting impression on the Taiwanese people. Using this meeting as an opportunity, President Lai reaffirmed Taiwan’s willingness to serve as a benevolent force in the international community, standing shoulder to shoulder with like‑minded nations—including Japan—to defend regional prosperity and stability.

Looking ahead, Taiwan‑Japan relations will extend beyond official or high‑level interactions. Comprehensive participation from local governments, businesses, and civil society will be essential to deepen the foundation. The visit by the Japan‑China Friendship Association symbolizes the vibrant and continuing local exchanges between the two sides. As technology evolves rapidly, especially with widespread AI applications and urgent semiconductor demand, Taiwan and Kanagawa have vast opportunities for cooperation in industrial‑technology exchange, talent cultivation, and innovative research. If both sides implement concrete cooperation plans, they can create more business opportunities for local enterprises and make a substantial contribution to the security and stability of the global supply chain, propelling the Taiwan‑Japan partnership toward a new, mutually prosperous milestone.