A delegation of Japanese lawmakers pushed for deeper defense and technology ties with Taiwan, a positive sign for both governments but another irritant for China.

• Senior members of Japan's Innovation Party, the junior partner in the ruling coalition, met President Lai Ching-te in Taipei and called for joint work on drones and space technology.
• Both sides are building up their own militaries as tensions in the region rise.
• Taiwan sent large private and government donations to Japan after a deadly earthquake hit Kumamoto in late July, and the visit leaned heavily on that goodwill.
• Lai wants the two countries to build a supply chain that cuts China out, tying the security push to trade and manufacturing.

Outlook: Expect more Japan-Taiwan defense and tech cooperation, and sharper protests from Beijing in response.