Japan said Thursday it will issue an entry visa to former Taiwanese President Lee Teng-hui for a private trip by the end of the month, in a move that could further aggravate its already strained relationship with China.
"We are of the understanding that Mr. Lee will not come to engage in any political activities," Chief Cabinet Secretary Hiroyuki Hosoda told a morning news conference.
Tokyo has always exercised caution over the issuance of entry visas to Lee, 81. China regards Lee as a strong advocate of Taiwanese independence. China considers the island a renegade province.