On March 7, Taiwan's Executive Yuan Premier Chen Chien-jen made an unusual visit to Japan to attend a World Baseball Classic (WBC) game at Tokyo Dome. Reports from Taiwan's Central News Agency indicate that Chen arrived in Japan in the morning and was accompanied by representatives from Taiwan's economic and cultural office in Japan to watch the match between Taiwan and the Czech Republic. Significantly, Chen left the venue midway through the game, and the Executive Yuan has not issued any comments regarding this visit.

The role of the Executive Yuan Premier is pivotal as he oversees various government departments and fulfills constitutional duties in the absence of the President and Vice President. This visit is particularly notable because it marks the first time an active Premier has visited Japan since Taiwan severed diplomatic ties with Japan in 1972, following Japan's shift to recognizing the People's Republic of China. The last similar visit occurred in 2004 when former Premier Yu Shyi-kun made a brief stop in Okinawa on his way back from Central America, citing typhoon concerns.

Chen's visit is expected to provoke backlash from China, which adheres to the “One China” principle that regards Taiwan as part of its territory. This incident highlights the ongoing complexities surrounding Taiwan's diplomatic engagements and the delicate balance it must maintain in its relationships, especially with Japan and China. The significance of this visit underlines the increasing interactions between Taiwan and Japan, despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations, and raises questions about the future of cross-strait relations amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.