Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen has strongly condemned the shooting attack on former Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo.

Tsai wrote on her Facebook account on Friday that she hopes Abe will be out of critical condition as soon as possible and is praying for news of his safety.

She called Abe a staunch friend of Taiwan and said he has supported Taiwan for many years. She said he spared no effort to promote ties between Taiwan and Japan.

Taiwan's Vice President Lai Ching-te wrote on Twitter in Japanese that he is praying for Abe and hopes he will pull through.

Other leaders in Taiwan, including the legislative speaker, premier and head of the main opposition party, issued messages praying for Abe's safety.