Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Sanae Takaichi, a contender in the LDP presidential race, held rare talks with Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen on Monday, with discussions focusing on ways to deepen security and economic cooperation — including the possibility of Tokyo’s support for Taipei joining a key regional trade pact.

Tsai joined the online meeting with Takaichi, a conservative politician known for her hawkish views on China, in her capacity as the the head of Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party.

The former internal affairs minister initially announced the meeting Monday on Twitter, saying that the pair “were able to hold positive discussions aimed at expanding and deepening security and practical exchanges.”