China objects to former Taiwan president's trip to Japan

BEIJING, May 29 Kyodo

China voiced concern Tuesday over a trip to Japan from this week by former Taiwanese President Lee Teng-hui, saying an ''advocate of Taiwanese separatism'' should not be given a political platform.

''We have already raised our concerns about this issue. We strongly hope that Japan takes note of our worries,'' Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu told a regular briefing.

Lee is due to arrive in Japan on Thursday for a 10-day visit. His office said he will take part in cultural and academic exchanges, as well as sightseeing trips.

A Japanese diplomatic source told Kyodo News earlier this month that Japan saw no reason to object to the trip as long as Lee did not engage in any political activities during his stay.

China has objected to previous visits to Japan made by Lee, who left office as president in 2000. Beijing sees him as one of the key supporters of Taiwan independence.

China regards Taiwan as a renegade Chinese province and has threatened to invade if the self-ruled, democratic island ever formally declares itself an independent state.

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