Photo/Illutration Koichi Hagiuda, policy chief of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, speaks at a meeting of policy chiefs from the ruling parties at the Diet on Dec. 1. (Koichi Ueda)

In a rare move, Koichi Hagiuda, policy chief of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, will visit Taiwan from Dec. 10 to 12, the first such visit in nearly 20 years. 

The only other ruling party senior official to visit Taiwan was Taro Aso in 2003, who was then-LDP policy chief.

Japan has no diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

“We must raise the level of negotiations and build a network of connections,” Hagiuda has said, regarding relations with Taiwan since assuming the post of LDP policy chief in August.

Hagiuda will deliver a keynote speech at a forum for building sustainable Japan-Taiwan relations on Dec. 11. Arrangements are also being made for the LDP policy chief to meet with Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen.

Hagiuda is a close aide of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who emphasized friendly ties with Taiwan. His visit is to continue the “will” of the late Abe and show to the international community that Japan will strengthen ties with Taiwan.

“I would like to work hard,” he said.

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