From Asia Times Online:
Former Taiwanese president Lee Teng-hui, an arch-foe of the communist rulers in mainland China, will keep both Japanese and Chinese officials on their toes throughout his current 11-day journey to Japan, which comes amid a thaw in relations between Tokyo and Beijing.
Lee, 84, arrived in Tokyo on Wednesday, his first visit to the Japanese capital in 22 years. Although he has said his trip is mainly for sightseeing and academic exchanges, Beijing worries that it is politically motivated. Lee, who served as Taiwanese president from 1988 to 2000, is viewed by Beijing as a leader of the island’s independence movement and has emerged as a radical activist for the island’s independence since leaving office. He is the spiritual leader of the pro-independence Taiwan Solidarity Union. [Full Text]
See also China expresses strong displeasure to Japan on Lee Teng-hui’s visit by Xinhua, MOFA to respect Lee’s decision to visit war shrine by CNA, and Japan says Lee’s visit shouldn’t harm China relations by Reuters.
