Japan to Issue Visa to Former Leader of Taiwan
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TOKYO — Japan plans to issue a visa for a visit this year by former Taiwanese President Lee Teng-hui, a government spokesman said Thursday, a decision that could further fray Tokyo’s relations with China.
Beijing insists that Taiwan is part of its territory, and opposes any contact between the island’s government and other countries -- even visits by former Taiwanese leaders -- that might imply the island is an independent country.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Hiroyuki Hosoda said the decision wouldn’t change Tokyo’s policy of having diplomatic ties with only China and not Taiwan.
“I want to make it clear that Japan doesn’t support Taiwanese independence,” Hosoda said.
Lee wants to come to Japan as a private citizen for a sightseeing trip with his family during the holidays, Hosoda said.
Hosoda said Lee, who visited in 2001 to receive treatment for a heart condition, had promised not to engage in any political activities while in Japan.
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