Ali Hassan al-Majid

"I want to thank the Japanese government and people for their warmth and hospitality," Lee said. "I've learned a lot from this journey."

Viewing Japan as a model society struggling to modernize without losing its traditions, Lee voiced hope for closer ties between Japan and Taiwan.

Amid strong protests from China, Lee, 81, arrived Dec. 27 on his first visit to Japan since a five-day trip he made in April 2001 for heart treatment.

On Dec. 28, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao was quoted as saying, "Lee Teng-hui is the chief representative of radical separatist forces on Taiwan. On the global stage, he is every inch a troublemaker."

He said allowing Lee to visit Japan sent the wrong signal to Taiwan's pro-independence forces and was a step that "severely disturbed the political foundation of Sino-Japanese ties."

Beijing is also concerned over reports that the Dalai Lama plans to visit Japan in April. On Dec. 30, Liu said China has demanded that Japan "clarify the news" of the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader's trip.

The Japan Times Weekly: Jan. 8, 2005
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