Press Conference 20 April 2001
- Questions on the issuance of a visa to former President Lee Teng-hui of Taiwan
- The visa issue and relations between Japan and the People's Republic of China
- Questions concerning Japan-Taiwan relations
- Question on the announcement of a decision on the visa issue
- Questions on the issuance of a visa to former President Lee Teng-hui of Taiwan
Deputy Press Secretary Chikahito Harada: Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen.
Q: About the visa for former Taiwanese President Lee Teng-hui, Chief Cabinet Secretary Fukuda said that he was hoping that a final decision on the issue would come out today. What tasks are there left to do before Mr. Kono makes a decision on the matter?
Mr. Harada: First of all, I do not have any indication of the time frame under which this issue will be worked out. All I can say is that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working hard on this issue to reach a conclusion as soon as possible, and a decision will be made in consultation with the Prime Minister's Office.
Q: I understand that Mr. Lee wants to come to Japan on Sunday, so is there a possibility that the decision might come out today or tomorrow?
Mr. Harada: I do not want to make any prejudgment on that. I can only reiterate that we are working very hard in order to reach a conclusion as soon as possible.
Related Information (Japan-China Relations)
- The visa issue and relations between Japan and the People's Republic of China
Q: Among the considerations the Government is taking on this issue, how big is the concern over Japan's relationship with China?
Mr. Harada: Of course, Japan attaches great importance to its relationship with the People's Republic of China. Naturally, Japan's relations with the People's Republic of China are among the factors being taken into account. At the same time, consideration must also be given to the humanitarian standpoint, and relations with Taiwan, and so on.
Q: The Chinese government has regarded Lee Teng-hui as a representative for Taiwan's independence, so what is Japan's position on this issue?
Mr. Harada: Japan is aware of the position of the Government of the People's Republic of China on this issue. The Government of Japan will make a decision on this issue at its own discretion taking into account various factors, including humanitarian standpoints and international circumstances.
Related Information (Japan-China Relations)
- Questions concerning Japan-Taiwan relations
Q: What is the situation surrounding Japan's relationship with Taiwan vis-à-vis the 1972 Japan-China Communiqué?
Mr. Harada: What do you mean?
Q: Well, in relation to this visa issue, I understand that Japan has said in the Communiqué that it recognizes Beijing as the sole government of China. How does that relate to this visa issue?
Mr. Harada: As you correctly referred to it, based on the 1972 Joint Communiqué between the Government of Japan and the Government of the People's Republic of China, Japan maintains exchanges with Taiwan of a private and regional nature as nongovernmental working relations. This is the Government's basic position. When a decision on this issue is reached it will be one that is consistent with this basic position on Taiwan.
Q: Can you explain why it is taking so long to reach a conclusion or to make a decision? I have heard a number of times that the Japanese government is working hard and it will make a decision as soon as possible. Why is it taking so long?
Mr. Harada: The reason is that we have to give careful consideration to various factors, which I have already mentioned.
Related Information (Japan-China Relations)
- Question on the announcement of a decision on the visa issue
Q: If the Government decides to issue a visa to Lee Teng-hui, how will this be revealed to the press?
Mr. Harada: Well, first of all, I cannot prejudge the conclusion, but when the decision is made, I think it will be announced, although exactly how, when, or by whom, I do not yet know.
Related Information (Japan-China Relations)
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