Lee calls on Japan to take action on anti-secession law

Former President Lee Teng-hui (李登輝) called on Japan yesterday to refrain from sitting idly by in the face of China's proposed "anti-secession" law, saying that the Japanese government should take action to block Beijing's legislation.

Lee, who is the spiritual leader of the pro-independence opposition Taiwan Solidarity Union (TSU), made the remarks while addressing a seminar held in Taoyuan for 70 members of the Association of Lee Teng-hui's Friends in Japan.

In his speech, Lee thanked all association members for their participation in a rally held on Feb. 28 in Tokyo to oppose Beijing's plan to enact the "anti-secession" law, which provides the Chinese military with a legal basis to use force against Taiwan in certain situations.

In addition to Taiwanese expatriates, many of Taiwan's friends from Japan and Tibet also took part in the demonstration to protest China's desire for hegemony, Lee said.

Noting that Beijing authorities are seeking to annex Taiwan by enacting the "anti-secession" law, Lee said that Japan should not adopt a wait-and-see attitude but should help the Taiwan government block the possibility of China invading.

Should Taiwan and Japan fail to do anything, East Asian countries can expect to face a serious disaster in the near future, Lee claimed.

Consequently, the outspoken former president urged all democracy- and peace-loving countries to join hands to safeguard stability and peace in the East Asian region.

China's National People's Congress is expected to pass the "anti-secession" bill today.