3RD LD: China demands Japan cancel visa for Taiwan's Lee

Asian Political News, Dec 29, 2004

BEIJING, Dec. 21 Kyodo

(EDS: UPDATES)

China demanded Tuesday that Japan reverse its issuance of a visa to former Taiwan President Lee Teng-hui, warning that not doing so would hurt overall bilateral relations.

''The Japanese government is acting in disregard of solemn representations and opposition by the Chinese government,'' Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said at a press conference.

''We express our strong dissatisfaction and call on the Japanese government to rectify the move,'' he said.

When asked what China plans to do in response to Japan's move, Liu said Japan ''should learn from similar experiences in the past.''

Liu was believed to be referring to Lee's last visit to Japan in April 2001, when China responded by postponing a visit to Japan by Li Peng, the head of China's legislature.

Liu rejected the view that Lee plans to visit Japan as a private citizen, saying he is ''trying to find backing and favorable conditions for his separatist activities.''

China sees Taiwan as part of its inseparable territory that should be reunited, by force if necessary.

According to the Japanese Foreign Ministry, a single-entry tourist visa for a visit of up to 15 days was been issued to Lee in Taipei on Tuesday.

Lee last visited Japan for five days in April 2001 for heart treatment. At the time, he was granted a visa on condition he would engage in no political activity during his stay.