A cross-party group of Japanese lawmakers has formed the largest congratulatory delegation ever to visit Taiwan, an important show of diplomatic support for a Taiwan facing pressure from China.

• Lower house member Keiji Furuya is leading 27 members of both chambers to Taiwan to take part in Double Tenth National Day events.
• It is the parliamentary group's first organised visit to Taiwan since it changed its name from the "Japan-China (Taiwan) Parliamentarians' Council" to the "Japan-Taiwan Friendship Parliamentarians' Alliance".
• The Japanese delegation is the largest among the congratulatory delegations from all countries, coming at a time when Taiwan's international position is severely constrained.
• The delegation is expected to call on President Lai Ching-te and to inspect the Japanese-made trains newly purchased by Taiwan High Speed Rail.
• Furuya also thanked Taiwan for donations to help with reconstruction after the Kumamoto earthquake, highlighting the spirit of mutual assistance between the two sides.

Outlook: Under its new name, the parliamentary group will continue to promote Japan-Taiwan exchanges and has made maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait a priority.