Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te recently showcased his support for Japan by sharing images of himself enjoying sushi, a gesture that comes amid rising tensions with China over Taiwan’s sovereignty. This act not only highlights Taiwan’s democratic governance but emphasizes the island’s intention to stand firm against Beijing’s claims.
Taiwan is only half the distance of the current Japan–Taiwan relationship at just 110 kilometers (68 miles) at its closest point. Just like the two regions’ remarkable cultural ties, this business relationship has grown and strengthened over decades. In the wake of the recent escalating cross-strait tensions, Japan would retain control of Taiwan until 1945, as Japan lost World War II. During the pandemic, unofficial Tokyo–Taipei ties have deepened—especially as both Japan and Taiwan have come under mounting Chinese pressure.
As it stands, Beijing sees Taiwan as part of its own territory. It has since not ruled out the use of force to reassert control over the self-ruling island. Taiwan’s government has never acknowledged and strongly opposes Beijing’s narrative of Chinese sovereignty. In their view, only the people of Taiwan have the right to decide their future.
In fact, in the past few months, actors within Beijing have imposed food export bans on Taiwan, including Taiwanese pineapples and fish. Lin Chia-lung, Taiwan’s Foreign Minister, spoke out against China’s tactics, calling attention to its economic coercion and military intimidation directed at other nations.
“At this critical juncture, we must also support Japan in effectively stabilizing the situation and halting the Chinese Communists’ bullying behavior,” – Lin Chia-lung
Lai Ching-te’s sushi lunch was shared on social media with the caption:
“What are you eating? Now is perhaps a good time to eat Japanese food,” – Lai Ching-te
This declaration deepens Taiwan-Japan solidarity against continuing geopolitical threats.
Continuing to resist the political pressure and external military intimidation imposed by the Chinese government, Taiwan enshrines its democratic, self-governing identity. Surrounded by daily threats from the great power, the Taiwanese government perseveres to claim its right to self-determination against all odds.
As tensions escalate, both Taiwan and Japan appear committed to maintaining their close ties and supporting each other against economic and military threats from China. The sushi lunch is meant to represent the closeness of the two countries’ cooperation. It shows in their shared values and mutual respect.