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Chen meets hardliner to woo Japan

President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) yesterday urged Japanese politicians to promote better relations with Taiwan, saying that both countries should develop an alliance that is based on democracy, freedom, peace and human rights.

Chen was speaking during a visit by controversial Tokyo Governor Ishihara Shintaro at the Presidential Office.

"There is still rich potential for our countries to enhance interaction in the fields of tourism and the cultural activities of younger generations," Chen said.

Chen said the Presidential Office had established a special task force to strengthen the nation's relationship with Japan.

"There are so many interests common to Taiwan and Japan -- I hope therefore that Mr. Ishihara can assist in furthering the co-operative relationship between our two countries based on the principles of democracy, freedom, peace and human rights," Chen said.

Ishihara wished Chen every success for his second term, saying he expected that Chen's administration would work hard not only for Taiwan's future but also for peace in the region, adding that Japan should learn from Chen's resolve and enact its own process of constitutional reform.

Ishihara said the Japanese Constitution was drafted by the US six decades ago and that Japanese leaders were considering amending it because it was out of date.

bans

Vice President Annette Lu (呂秀蓮) told Ishihara during the meeting that she hoped Japan's government would lift bans preventing Taiwan's top officials from visiting his country.

Lu also suggested that the Japanese government take a leaf out of Washington's book and create its own version of the US Taiwan Relations Act to strengthen communication and strategic ties with Taiwan.

Ishihara responded by saying that many Japanese politicians were not satisfied with their government's Taiwan policy.

He said that although the two countries had no diplomatic ties, technological, economic and cultural exchange should be increased and improved.

"I suggest that Tokyo serve as a pioneer in the process of initiating this co-operation and communication," Ishihara said.

Chen and Lu yesterday also received other foreign delegations at the Presidential Office who passed on their congratulations for his inauguration.

Meanwhile, in a demonstration of the importance of Taiwan-Japan relations to the government, incoming National Security Council Secretary-General Chiou I-jen (邱義仁) has invited Lin Cheng-wei (林成蔚), chief of staff of Lo Fu-cheng (羅福全), Taiwan's representative in Japan, to serve as a senior advisor on the security council.

Lin is very active in Japanese academic circles and has worked hard to secure support from influential Japanese figures for Taiwan's entry into the World Health Organization.
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