China has expressed profound concern over the landing of Yu
Shyi-Kun, head of Taiwan's "Executive Yuan," at a Japanese airport
on Wednesday. Yu was returning to Taiwan after a stopover in the US
and reportedly was diverted to Okinawa because of Typhoon Aere.
"We strongly oppose the Taiwan leaders, by any pretext,
conducting political activities in countries that have diplomatic
relations with China," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan on
Wednesday.
According to AFP, an Okinawan prefectural official said that Yu
met Okinawa Vice Governor Hirotaka Makino in a waiting room at the
airport during his stop there. The official was unable to give
details of the meeting, but Kyodo News said that Yu proposed that
Taiwan and Okinawa hold a conference to promote economic and
cultural exchanges.
China has demanded that Japan properly deal with the matter,
strictly following the principles of the Sino-Japan joint
communiqué and the promises Japan has made concerning the Taiwan
question.
China and Japan established formal diplomatic relations in 1972.
Japan has since barred official contacts with Taiwan.
Meanwhile, new Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's
recent stand against Taiwan independence got a cautious welcome
from China. Lee said that Singapore's one-China policy would not
change.
"We noticed Singapore's new leader has reiterated its one-China
policy and firmly opposes Taiwan independence," said Kong. "This
accords with the interest of Singapore, reflects the common
understanding of the international community and will benefit the
peace and stability of this region."
In his first policy speech, given last week after taking office
on August 12, Lee said, "If Taiwan goes for independence, Singapore
will not recognize it. In fact, no Asian country will recognize
it."
"China's position on the Taiwan issue is clear-cut," Kong said.
"All the countries that establish diplomatic relations with China
should adhere to the one-China policy."
He added, "We are firmly opposed to official exchanges in any
form between the Taiwan authorities and countries that have
diplomatic relations with China."
On July 10, then-Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister Lee made an
"unofficial" visit to Taiwan, regardless of solemn representations
repeatedly made by China.
(China Daily August 26, 2004)