Shinzo Abe funeral: Taiwanese vice-president in Tokyo but no word from Beijing on its envoy
- William Lai offers condolences to Abe’s widow at family home but Beijing says it has not been told of arrangements
- Chinese vice foreign minister pays tribute at Japanese embassy in Beijing
Taiwanese Vice-President William Lai is the highest official from the island to visit Japan in the half-century since Tokyo switched diplomatic recognition to Beijing from Taipei in 1972.
Lai’s trip for the funeral on Tuesday was described by Taiwan’s foreign ministry as a “personal visit”, but it is seen as a move by the self-ruled island to boost ties with Tokyo.
According to Japanese media, Lai offered his condolences to Abe’s family at the late leader’s home and was accompanied by Frank Hsieh, the island’s de facto ambassador to Japan.
Taiwan’s Presidential Office did not comment on Lai’s visit but said Lai had been friends with Abe for “many years and he is sad to learn of the unfortunate death of [Abe]”.
Kuo Kuo-wen, who heads the Taiwanese legislature’s East Asia Parliamentary Friendship Group, said the trip was a “diplomatic breakthrough”.