TOKYO, Japan—In the wake of a strong earthquake that struck Taiwan on the morning of April 3, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, in a meeting convened at his official residence, expressed Japan’s solidarity with Taiwan.
Understanding the significant damage inflicted by the 7.2-magnitude quake, Mr. Kishida affirmed, “The Japanese government is actively collecting pertinent information and is committed to implementing all feasible preventive measures.” He conveyed Japan’s condolences to Taiwan and stated Japan’s readiness to provide immediate assistance upon request.
Reflecting on the bonds of friendship and support between the two nations, Mr. Kishida reminisced, “We hold in high esteem the invaluable support extended by our dear friends in Taiwan during the Great East Japan Earthquake and the Noto Peninsula Earthquake. We stand ready to extend the necessary support whenever required.”
Additionally, Mr. Kishida highlighted the issuance of a tsunami warning for areas including the main island of Okinawa, urging residents to seek refuge in safe locations promptly.
In a similar vein of readiness and response, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno, during a morning press briefing, detailed the government’s rapid response to the earthquake.
“Immediately following the quake, a liaison office was established within the Prime Minister’s Office Crisis Management Center, dedicating our utmost efforts to address the situation,” Mr. Matsuno explained.
He emphasized the government’s priority to safeguard human lives, committing to ongoing information collection and damage assessment. Mr. Matsuno also reassured that there have been no reports of injuries among Japanese nationals in Taiwan to date.
