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Japan’s foreign minister Yoko Kamikawa did not flinch in the face of fierce criticism from China over her friendly message to Lai Ching-te, the next president of Taiwan.
Dr Lai was elected on January 13. His election was preceded by a campaign that included an intense debate about the relationship between Taiwan and China.
Dr Lai is seen as being pro-West and a defender of Taiwan’s autonomy. Nevertheless, his victory speech included an offer of dialogue with the mainland and a promise to continue with people-to-people exchanges.