Date:17/12/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/12/17/stories/2004121702101401.htm

International

Row over visa for Taiwan leader

TOKYO: Japan plans to issue a visa for Taiwan's former President, Lee Teng-hui, to visit this year, the Government said on Thursday, prompting China to demand that Tokyo revoke the offer or suffer deterioration in bilateral ties. Beijing insists that self-ruled Taiwan is a part of its territory and opposes contact between the island's Government and other countries — even visits by former Taiwanese leaders — that might imply it is an independent country. The Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary, Hiroyuki Hosoda, said the decision would not change Tokyo's policy of having diplomatic ties with China but not with Taiwan. — AP