Lee Teng-hui’s tour on Dec 22, 2004

`Citizen Lee' is bound for Japan as Beijing fumes

RETALIATION?: The former president has been cleared to go to Japan, which has prompted China to angrily criticize the decision and warn of impaired relations
By Melody Chen  STAFF REPORTER , WITH AGENCIES
 

The Japan Interchange Association in Taipei yesterday confirmed it has issued a visa to former president Lee Teng-hui . The visa will allow Lee to make a single entry into Japan for a maximum stay of 15 days, the same as other tourists from Taiwan, a spokesman said.

China, riled by Japan's decision to issue Lee a visa despite its protests, warned yesterday that the move might damage relations.

"The Japanese government acted in disregard of the Chinese government's solemn representation and firm opposition and stubbornly allowed Lee Teng-hui to go to Japan to carry out activities to split the country," Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said at a news briefing.

"The Chinese government ex-presses strong dissatisfaction and again demands the Japanese side rectify this wrong decision," he said.

Liu declined to say whether Beijing would retaliate against Japan. Chinese envoy to Japan Cheng Yonghua told reporters in Tokyo on Monday that China might retaliate if Japan refused to reverse the decision.

"[Lee Teng-hui] also graduated from a Japanese university."

Junichiro Koizumi, Japanese prime minister

Liu said Japan's decision to issue the visa was "a very significant incident in China-Japan relations."

"I want to emphasize that the Japanese side should learn from past experience and adopt a correct attitude and rectify its wrong decision in order not to impair overall relations between China and Japan," he said.

Liu said the political motivations of Lee's visit were obvious.

"His political motive is to find backing and create overseas conditions for his activities to split the country. We think the Japanese side should be clear about this," he added.

Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi told reporters yesterday that Lee wants to travel as a private citizen, so there is no reason to turn down his application.

"[Lee] also graduated from a Japanese university," Koizumi said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed Japan's decision.

"The ministry and our representative office in Japan will offer necessary help for former president Lee," spokesman Michel Lu said.

A friend close to Lee yesterday said that apart from family members and doctors, Lee will also bring two "VIP guests" to Japan. Lee's friend declined to reveal their identities.

`Third party' blacklisting

China is probably the only country engaging in blacklisting non-Chinese citizens from visiting other countries. This practice is rare and I will call it "third party" blacklisting for the lack of an appropriate term.

Whether Japan will or will not issue a visitor visa to former president Lee Teng-hui  is strictly between the two principals -- Japan and Lee in this case. This is none of China's business. China does not have to play a "third party" role.

President Chen Shui-bian  is another famous victim of China's "third party" blacklisting. He cannot attend annual APEC meetings, accept prestigious international awards, give a speech in the UN press club, or visit countries other than Taiwan's 26 diplomatic allies -- all because of China's opposition. In the US, Chen's mobility and activity are restricted. For example, he cannot visit Washington, even for sightseeing.

Vice President Annette Lu, first lady Wu Shu-chen  and other government officials are all prevented by China from visiting foreign countries, as if these countries were part of China's territory.

The Taiwanese have suc-ceeded in breaking the Chinese Nationalist Party's (KMT) blacklist, but, unfortunately, must continue to fight against China's "third party" blacklisting.

Charles Hong