Taiwan and Japan are moving closer on defense and supply chains, a positive signal for both against a tougher regional security backdrop.

• A 13-member group of Japanese lawmakers led by Nobuyuki Baba met Taiwan's foreign minister Lin Chia-lung in Taipei.
• Both sides agreed to work more closely on defense and economic security, saying a threat to Taiwan is a threat to Japan.
• Taiwan wants to pair its chip and AI strengths with Japanese industry to build supply chains that do not run through China.
• Named areas for cooperation include AI, semiconductors, aerospace, and energy.
• This is the party's first big delegation to Taiwan since joining Japan's governing coalition, signaling official warmth toward Taipei.

Outlook: Expect more Taiwan-Japan tech and defense cooperation, which will likely draw protests from Beijing.