Japan congratulates Lai for election as Taiwan president - foreign minister

Japan offered congratulations for Lai Ching-te's election as president of Taiwan and the smooth implemention of the democratic election, Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa said in a statement on Saturday.

"We expect that the issue surrounding Taiwan will be resolved peacefully through dialogue, thereby contributing to the peace and stability in the region," the statement said.

"For Japan, Taiwan is an extremely crucial partner and an important friend, with which it shares fundamental values and enjoys close economic relations and people-to-people exchanges," it said, repeating Japan's regular lines about Taiwan.