Taiwanese foreign policy is often criticized for its preoccupation with China and the United States at the expense of its relations with other nations, especially regional neighbors. But that may be about to change.
The incoming Democratic Progressive Party government of Tsai Ing-wen is taking a significant step toward redressing this imbalance with the appointment of former Premier Frank Hsieh as the island's chief representative to Japan.
Revealing his acceptance of the new position last week, Hsieh said his appointment indicates the Tsai administration attaches great importance to Taiwan-Japan relations.