“At the same time, we especially welcome Japanese performance groups and pop idols to come perform in Taiwan. We will definitely give them a full house and a very warm welcome,” he added. Cho said that in response to Chinese pressure on Japan, many Taiwanese have been changing their travel plans and choosing to visit the country.
In the same month the spat erupted, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te announced an extra $40 billion in defence spending to better counter China’s threats.
Cho said peace depends on strength.
“I sincerely hope that Taiwan is safe, Japan is safe, and the world is at peace,” he added.
Japan has also been boosting its defenses.
Late last month, Japan’s Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said plans were “steadily moving forward” to deploy a medium-range surface-to-air missile unit at a military base on Yonaguni, an island about 110 km (68 miles) off Taiwan’s east coast.
