Taipei, April 23 (CNA) Republic of China Vice President Annette Lu said Monday that the U.S. and Japanese governments' issuance of visitor visas to former ROC President Lee Teng-hui has great meaning and should inspire Beijing to use new thinking in the new age.
Lu made the remarks during a meeting Monday morning with visiting president of the American Enterprise Institute, Christopher Demuth. Lu especially expressed gratitude to the U.S. government, which granted Lee a multiple-entry visa for a period of five years and imposed no restrictions on Lee's activities during his planned early-May trip to the United States.
Lu indicated that it was quite a breakthrough for the Japanese government to allow former president Lee to visit Japan, which she said has previously succumbed to mainland China's demands because of its sense of guilt about its invasion of China. "It is gratifying that the Japanese government gave Lee a visa on humanitarian considerations," she said. She said she hopes Japan's government and people can walk out of the shadows of history.
For his part, DeMuth said he agreed with Lu that Lee is now an ordinary citizen and has the right to travel anywhere he wishes, and certainly for medical purposes. He said the Japanese government doesn't have to explain why it issued Lee a visa, adding that Beijing authorities should not take irrational action against the Japanese government over this matter.
During their talks, Lu mentioned that she has always supported uniting Japan, Korea and Taiwan to form an Asia Pacific alliance. She said that such a regional organization would contribute significantly to the promotion of peace and stability in the region.
As to the U.S. role in cross-strait ties, DeMuth said Washington should not involve itself in the cross-strait dispute over reunification or independence, but should make it clear that the United States would not permit any solution involving force. Referring to arms sales, DeMuth said the U.S. government should simply consider Taiwan's defense needs to ensure its people's safety.
Lu expressed the hope that the Bush Administration will adopt a more positive and friendly Taiwan policy. She suggested that the United States strengthen bilateral high-level visits and help Taiwan to quickly enter international organizations such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) and World Health Organization (WHO).