Taiwan President Lai Ching-te expressed solidarity with Japan on Thursday by sharing a sushi lunch made from Japanese seafood, after China signalled plans to ban all imports of fish and other marine products from Japan.
The move comes amid escalating tensions between Beijing and Tokyo over Taiwan, which China claims as part of its territory.
In photos posted on his Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, Lai was seen enjoying sushi and miso soup featuring yellowtail from Kagoshima and scallops from Hokkaido. “Today’s lunch is sushi and miso soup,” he wrote in Mandarin and Japanese, a subtle but clear show of support for Tokyo.
Dispute Deepens Over Taiwan and Trade
The diplomatic flare-up follows remarks by Japan’s new Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, who said earlier this month that a Chinese attack on Taiwan threatening Japan’s survival could trigger a military response. Beijing reacted sharply, warning of consequences and accusing Tokyo of undermining regional stability.
China’s threat to halt seafood imports from Japan echoes similar trade restrictions it has imposed on Taiwan in recent years. Taipei has faced bans on products such as pineapples and fish, which officials described as part of Beijing’s broader campaign of economic coercion.
Taiwan Urges Resistance to Chinese ‘Bullying’
Speaking to reporters earlier on Thursday, Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung condemned China’s growing use of economic and military pressure against neighbouring countries. “China’s acts of coercion and intimidation are already too numerous to mention,” Lin said. “At this critical juncture, we must support Japan in stabilising the situation and halting the Chinese communists’ bullying behaviour.”
Japan and Taiwan maintain close, though unofficial, ties built on shared democratic values and strong cultural and economic links. Japan ruled Taiwan from 1895 until the end of World War Two, and the two societies continue to enjoy deep mutual affinity.
Lai’s lunch choice simple yet symbolic reflects Taiwan’s message of unity with Japan as both face mounting pressure from Beijing.
(with inputs from Reuters)
