TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday said it hopes Japan’s likely next prime minister, Takaichi Sanae, will support Taiwan’s bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, reports said.

Takaichi was elected leader of the Liberal Democratic Party on Saturday, with her confirmation as the next prime minister expected on Oct. 15. She has been regarded as sympathetic to Taiwan and met President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) during a visit to Taipei in April.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it hopes the new government will continue to show strong support and leadership in backing Taiwan’s application to join the 12-member CPTPP trade bloc, per CNA. Japan should also find inspiration in the US–Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade to start negotiations on an Economic Partnership Agreement, the ministry said.

A bilateral trade accord would benefit both sides, as the two economies are complementary and closely intertwined, MOFA Spokesperson Hsiao Kuang-wei (蕭光偉) told a news conference. He said trade between Taiwan and Japan reached US$72.3 billion (NT$2.19 trillion) in 2024. The two countries have already signed several accords and memorandums of understanding, laying positive groundwork for a wider trade agreement, Hsiao said.