Taipei, March 21 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian expressed his appreciation Monday for Japan's speaking out against China's Anti-Secession Law, under which China gives itself the legal basis to attack Taiwan.
Chen told Japanese Dietman Tamazawa Tokuichiro, who is visiting Taiwan as the head of a pro-Taiwan group in Japan, that Beijing's threat to resort to force in settling its disputes with Taiwan is a setback to civilization, which favors the peaceful settlement of differences.
The president also expressed his concerns about the earthquake that rattled Fukuoka, Japan the previous day, causing mild casualties and damage.
He lauded Tokuichiro for helping to persuade the Japanese government to announce Feb. 19 that peaceful resolution of the Taiwan issue is one of the strategic objectives shared by Tokyo and Washington.
The president said Tokuichiro and his group have also contributed significantly to Japan's support for Taiwan's bid to join the World Health Organization and its decision to extend visa-free privileges to Taiwan tourists during the period of Expo 2005 Aichi, which will run from March 25 to September 25.