Key Facts
• Hsieh Chang-ting served as Taiwan’s ‘Ambassador to Japan’ for 8 years (2016–2023).
• Received Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun, Grand Cordon, for fostering Taiwan-Japan relations.
• Advocated grassroots connections, visiting all 47 Japanese prefectures during his tenure.
• Promoted ‘cycle of goodwill’ between Taiwan and Japan during disasters and COVID-19.
• Taiwan donated masks to Japan during shortages; Japan provided 4 million vaccine doses.
• Collaborated with President Tsai Ing-wen and Japanese lawmakers to secure vaccines in 10 days.
• Praised former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe for supporting Taiwan amid Chinese pressure.
• Abe highlighted Taiwan Strait stability and boosted Taiwan pineapple exports via social media.
• Hsieh emphasized shared values of democracy, human rights, and rule of law between Taiwan and Japan.
• Urged global influence through ‘goodwill’ rather than authoritarian values, referencing China.
Summary
Hsieh Chang-ting, Taiwan’s former ‘Ambassador to Japan,’ reflected on his 8-year tenure fostering Taiwan-Japan relations. Recognized with Japan’s highest Order of the Rising Sun, he emphasized mutual support during crises, including Taiwan’s mask donations and Japan’s vaccine aid during COVID-19. Hsieh’s grassroots diplomacy strengthened ties across all 47 Japanese prefectures. He praised former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe for advocating Taiwan’s stability and boosting its exports amid Chinese pressure. Highlighting shared democratic values, Hsieh called for global influence through goodwill, contrasting authoritarian approaches.
