"The World and Japan" Database (Project Leader: TANAKA Akihiko)
Database of Japanese Politics and International Relations
National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS); Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia (IASA), The University of Tokyo

[Title] President Chen Meets with the Japanese Parliamentary Delegation

[Place] Taipei
[Date] December 20, 2000
[Source] Office of the president, Republic of China(Taiwan)
[Notes]
[Full text]

Taipei, Dec. 20 (CNA) Republic of China President Chen Shui-bian said Wednesday that maintaining peace across the Taiwan Strait is in the common interest of the ROC, Japan and the United States.

Chen made the remarks as he received a seven-member Japanese parliamentary delegation and added that the Beijing regime expansion of its military buildup and deployment of missiles affects not only Taiwan but also Japan and the United States.

Chen noted that Japanese parliamentary delegation was comprised of younger members of the Lower House from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), the Conservative Party, the Kuomei Party and opposition Democratic Party and expressed the hope that younger parliamentarians of both Japan and Taiwan will strengthen exchanges of visits so as to further cement relations.

He went on to say that among the 18 Cabinet members reshuffled by Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori, 11 ministers belong to the pro-Taipei non-partisan "Japan-ROC Dietmens Council," while three others are very friendly toward Taiwan, adding that the Cabinet reshuffle was of very great significance to Taiwan.

Chen said that when the Japanese government reviews its foreign aid program, attention should be paid to the Beijing government. Although Japanese economic assistance to Beijing will certainly help maintain the peace and stability of the Asian-Pacific region and Beijing's efforts to develop its economy, which will help it carry out its democratization and liberalization, the Beijing regime is also using the aid to expand its military and deploy missiles.

Lower House member Yuriko Koike, on behalf of the visiting delegation, expressed gratitude to Chen for receiving them and also expressed the hope that younger parliamentarians on both sides will strengthen their exchanges to strengthen bilateral relations.

Touching on cross-strait issues and economic development in Taiwan, Chen said that Taiwan's economy is its lifeline and the government under his leadership will try its best to meet any challenge at home and abroad to carry out the established economic development policy.

He also said that the government will try to normalize economic and trade relations with mainland China and is reviewing the "no haste be patient" policy and the "three direct links" policy, as both Taiwan and mainland China will soon be admitted into the World Trade Organization.