As Kyushu quivered with aftershocks after being struck by a 7.1-magnitude earthquake on Tuesday afternoon, Taiwanese officials and politicians were among the first to express their support and voice their concern for their island neighbor. 

“In response to the strong earthquake that has just struck Kumamoto Prefecture in Japan, I extend, on behalf of the people of Taiwan, our sincerest condolences. Taiwan and Japan are true friends who stand together in times of adversity … Taiwan stands ready to provide assistance at any time,” Taiwan President Lai Ching-te posted on X, referencing the island nation’s own experience with quakes and long history of mutual support with Japan during such disasters.

Taiwanese Premier Cho Jung-tai, who visited Japan in March, wrote, “The National Fire Agency’s special search and rescue team under the Ministry of the Interior is also on standby and is prepared to provide any necessary humanitarian assistance should the Japanese authorities request it.”