TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Presidential Office said Friday (Aug. 16) the government has appointed Li Yi-yang (李逸洋) to serve as Taiwan’s representative in Japan.
Li is expected to take up the post at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) in Tokyo starting September.
At a press conference on Friday following the announcement, Li pledged to go all out to promote greater diplomatic and industrial cooperation between Taiwan and Japan, while also pledging to assist in strengthening regional security alliances to ensure regional peace and prosperity, reported CNA.
Li has held numerous government positions in Taipei City and in Taiwan’s central government, including as Minister of the Interior under the Chen administration from 2006 to 2008. He most recently served in public office as deputy director of the Examination Yuan from 2017 to 2020.
Li will replace Hsieh Chang-ting (謝長廷), who resigned from the post on Aug. 6. Hsieh was appointed as representative to Japan in 2016 by former President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) and served through July 2024, having been appointed as a counselor to President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Aug. 1.
Li said that Lai understands the great importance of maintaining good relations with Japan, and that he accepts the responsibility of the post with great sincerity. Li pledged to continue to build on the great foundation that already exists between the two countries.
A major focus of Li’s press conference was the strategic importance of the semiconductor and AI technology industries, reported CNA. Li said that he hopes to facilitate greater bilateral investment and cooperation in these and other high-tech industries for the benefit of both countries and to promote greater regional prosperity through technological development.
