Japan hinted yesterday that it might be prepared to grant a visa to former president Lee Teng-hui (
"If Lee's visit is only for medical reasons, we could consider it from a humanitarian standpoint," Japan's top government spokesman Yasuo Fukuda told a news conference. He added, however, that "the Japanese government still considers that Lee has not formally submitted his visa application."
On Sunday, Lee said his planned trip was absolutely not politically motivated and that his application was filed on April 10. He also criticized Tokyo for tip-toeing around the issue, calling the Japanese "more timid than a mouse."
The issue has split Japan's Cabinet, with some members anxious not to irritate Beijing at a time when regional tensions are on the rise.
Fukuda yesterday reiterated Japan's official stance that the government would soon make a final decision on the matter after receiving Lee's formal application.
"We will take public opinion and other factors into account. And we will also consult further on the matter after we receive reports from the foreign ministry," Fukuda said.
On Thursday, Vice Foreign Minister Seishiro Eto was quoted by Japanese media as saying Lee had applied for a visa, but other government officials were quick to quash the comment.
Foreign Minister Yohei Kono on Friday denied that a visa application had been made.
He also told Fukuda that he would caution Eto against making statements that contradicted those of other ministry officials.
Meanwhile, Cabinet members vying to replace outgoing Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori voiced their dissent on Sunday, saying Lee should be granted a visa.
Economics Minister Taro Aso said that Lee should be allowed into the country as long as he refrained from visiting Tokyo, a scenario that would be possible if he flew into Osaka's Kansai Airport.
Only former prime minister Ryutaro Hashimoto, a leading contender for the nation's top job, struck a cautious chord, saying he did not welcome the prospect of problems between China and Taiwan being brought to Japan.
A group of about 35 Japanese lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties has held talks with Kono, urging Tokyo to allow Lee to visit Japan.
China, nevertheless, called on Tokyo to prevent Lee's visit.
"China hopes Japan will ... adopt a clear attitude and stop Lee Teng-hui's moves to visit Japan," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue (
"China firmly opposes Lee Teng-hui visiting Japan in any capacity," she said.
The statement rejected Lee's assertions that the trip was for a medical check-up and not for political reasons and dismissed suggestions from Tokyo that his visa application could be considered on humanitarian grounds.
"Lee's request to visit Japan is neither a trip by an ordinary person nor any kind of humanitarian matter. It is a 100 percent political issue," Zhang's statement said. The trip was aimed at "shattering the framework of Sino-Japanese ties and seeking support in Japan for Taiwan independence," it said.
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