TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio offered his condolences to those affected by a powerful earthquake that hit Taiwan on Wednesday.

Describing the quake as “utterly heartbreaking,” Kishida said on X, formerly Twitter, “I offer my wholehearted sympathies to all those affected.”

“As Taiwan, our neighbor across the sea, faces difficulties, Japan stands ready to provide necessary support,” he said.

At a press conference, Chief Cabinet Secretary HAYASHI Yoshimasa Hayashi reiterated Japan’s gratitude to Taiwan for its support following a massive quake and tsunami in northeastern Japan in 2011 and a powerful quake in central Japan earlier this year.

The Japanese government has not received a request from Taiwan to provide aid at this point, Hayashi said.

JIJI Press