Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

Taipei, Oct. 1 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian said Wednesday that Asia-Pacific countries should continue to strengthen their ties to prevent crises in regional security or in the region's financial situation.

Chen made the remarks during a meeting with a group of Japanese specialists who are participating in an international seminar on Asia-Pacific political and economic security in Taipei.

The Japanese guests were led by Yoshio Okawara, chairman of the World Peace Research Institute of Japan.

Chen urged Asia-Pacific countries to strengthen their anti-terrorist cooperation, be aware of the possibility of nuclear weapons proliferation on the Korean Peninsula, help maintain stability in the Taiwan Strait, and prevent the growth of weapons of mass destruction in the region.

The president also asked that people understand the "magnetic effect" that mainland China has on foreign investment and reflect on whether the renminbi should appreciate.

Chen also called for economic integration in the region to promote better trade ties.