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TAIPEI, Dec 5 – Taiwan has been “very moved” by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s comments last month on peace and stability even in the face of strong pressure, Premier Cho Jung-tai said on Friday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
China and Japan are in their worst diplomatic crisis<\/a> in years, after Takaichi said last month in parliament a hypothetical Chinese attack on democratically governed Taiwan could trigger a military response from Tokyo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Reuters Daily Briefing newsletter provides all the news you need to start your day. Sign up here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n China views Taiwan as its own territory and has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control. Taiwan’s government rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Meeting Shuzo Sumi, the chair of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association which handles unofficial ties between Taipei and Tokyo, Cho said the government was grateful to Takaichi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Recently, Prime Minister Takaichi’s remarks about stability and peace in the Taiwan Strait moved us all very, very much. They represent justice and peace,” Cho said in Taipei.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “We are also extremely grateful to Prime Minister Takaichi and to the Japanese government and people for continuing to uphold this justice and peace under such strong pressure.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Japan, like most countries, does not officially recognise Taiwan’s government and only has formal diplomatic ties with Beijing. But Taiwan and Japan, which ruled the island from 1895-1945, have very close unofficial ties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beijing has responded to Takaichi’s comments with anger<\/a>, accusing her of taking Japan back down the path of militarism<\/a>, while Chinese airlines have mass cancelled flights to the country and Japanese artists have been stopped from performing<\/a> in China.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cho said that in response to Chinese pressure on Japan, many Taiwanese have been changing their travel plans and choosing to visit the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “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 addedIt’s alright Embul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n