Japan's Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu has indicated that the government will provide extra coronavirus vaccine to other countries and regions, including Taiwan.

Motegi said this at a news conference on Friday following remarks by Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen.

Tsai said on Wednesday that it has become more difficult for Taiwan to secure vaccines from overseas pharmaceutical companies because of China's intervention.

Taiwan faces the challenge of accelerating inoculations, as it has seen a surge in new cases since mid-May.

Motegi told the news conference that it is important for all countries and regions to be secured for fair access to safe, effective vaccines.

He indicated that the government will provide more than enough vaccine in Japan.

The foreign minister noted that when Japan was hit by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, Taiwan offered various forms of support, such as collecting donations immediately after the disaster.

Motegi said he thinks Taiwan will remain short of vaccine before its production system is adequately ready in July, and that he will consider offering supplies from Japan.

Source: ANNnewsCH