President Chen Shui-bian on May 1 met with Japanese parliamentarian Mr. Ota Seiichi. President Chen, on behalf of the government and the 23 million people of the ROC (Taiwan), expressed a warm welcome and gratitude to Legislator Ota for making the trip to Taiwan.
President Chen first expressed his appreciation to Legislator Ota for his long friendship and staunch support of Taiwan. He also praised Legislator Ota's contributions and efforts, both in the Japanese Parliament and in political circles, for promoting substantive and friendly ties between the two countries, and in particular the continued growth in trade and commerce between Taiwan and Japan. Last year, bilateral trade exceeded US$60 billion, with Japan enjoying a trade surplus amounting to over US$30 billion. The president said he believes the continued rise in trade is the result of efforts made by both countries. The president also pointed out that the Japanese government's and Parliament's decision last year to formally provide visa-free courtesy to Taiwan tourists was a main reason for the number of visits between people of each country having risen to 2.45 million last year. He said that this is further strengthening exchanges and cooperation between the two nations. President Chen also expressed his delight that cooperation between Japan's Shinkansen and Taiwan High Speed Rail came to a smooth conclusion earlier this year with the opening of Taiwan's high speed railway. He said the rail line has revolutionized travel along Taiwan's western corridor, making it possible to travel among various places all in the course of a day. He said this is the first example of Shinkansen successfully exporting its technology. He also expressed his hopes that further cooperation in a broad range of areas will be seen in the future based on the existing foundation that has been created.
President Chen also indicated his gratitude to the Japanese government for its attention to Taiwan's efforts to participate in international organizations as well as cross-Strait security topics, in addition to providing appropriate assistance. He said that Japan along with the United States in 2004 voted in support of having Taiwan participate in the World Health Assembly as an observer. In addition, security in the Taiwan Strait was included as a common strategic objective at the Japan-U.S. Security Consultative Committee, also known as the 2+2 Meeting, in May 2006.
President Chen noted that Legislator Ota previously said that while he has visited China any number of times in recent years, he still is a strong friend and supporter of Taiwan. In his meetings with high-ranking Chinese leaders, Legislator Ota has spoken frankly and has publicly criticized the Chinese government for shooting missiles into waters off the northern coast of Taiwan, which is not far from Okinawa. Legislator Ota has continuously called for sustained peace in the Taiwan Strait and believes that Taiwan is sovereign and does not belong to China. President Chen said he admires Legislator Ota for taking those stances. He furthermore stressed that the ROC (Taiwan) is a sovereign nation, and neither the ROC nor the People's Republic of China have jurisdiction over the other. The two are different nations, he said. The president said Taiwan hopes to use the name "Taiwan" in participating in the international community. It also aims to become a formal member of the World Health Organization and a member of the United Nations. He also expressed his hope that Legislator Ota will continue to focus on matters concerning Taiwan and lend his support to the nation.