Looking north : Taiwan’s relations with Japan under Chen Shui-bian

Under President Chen Shui-bian, Taiwan has been active in courting Japan, an approach which has been quietly reciprocated by Japan. Set against the background of deep historical and economic links, this strengthening relationship has been both encouraged and constrained by the two powers' complex relationships with China and the United States. While Japan has not been willing to openly embrace Chen's "quasi-alliance" ideas, it has been interested in developing a stronger sense of "alignment" with Taiwan through constructing a wider and deeper relationship, including security-related interactions.