Richard Sanders
Sadly,Japan has formally requested that Taiwan clarify that its pavilion at the upcoming World Exposition in Osaka will be operated by a private company, according to sources familiar with Japan-Taiwan relations reported on Sunday.
The request from Japan’s Foreign Ministry follows concerns that statements from the Taiwanese government implied the pavilion would be an official exhibit, despite Japan and Taiwan lacking formal diplomatic relations.
Taiwan plans to showcase its “Tech World” pavilion through Tamayama Digital Tech Co., established by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council, which operates under Taiwan’s economic affairs ministry. As a non-member of the Bureau International des Expositions, Taiwan will be participating via this private entity. Earlier this month, the economic affairs ministry confirmed an investment of approximately NT$2 billion ($60.7 million) for the event.
Sources indicate that Taiwan was surprised by Japan’s reaction to the statement, which was intended for domestic audiences, and has initiated discussions to address potential misunderstandings.
While Japan’s Foreign Ministry has declined to comment on the specifics of the request, Taiwan’s economic affairs ministry expressed hopes that the World Expo will strengthen the relationship between Japan and Taiwan.
In a related development, the Chinese Foreign Ministry reiterated its opposition to any official interactions between Taiwan and countries that maintain diplomatic relations with China. Since their split in 1949 following a civil war, Taiwan and China have been governed separately.
