China reportedly wants Japan to affirm it believes in no Taiwanese independence, no recognition of two Chinas and no Taiwanese membership as a sovereign nation in any international organization. Beijing is seeking a joint statement with Tokyo after a summit between Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi and Jiang. He arrives on Nov. 25, the first Chinese head of state to make an official visit here. Japan argues, however, that the U.S. leader's speech does not carry the same weight as a written document. Beijing considers Taiwan a renegade province and has threatened to use force should the island declare independence.
Japan insists the Taiwan problem is an internal Chinese affair.
Mounting pressure from China, according to sources here, is beginning to irritate Japanese authorities who are digging their heels in. I hope we will be successful in fending off these pressures. We do not have to sign such a document. The Taiwan Strait should remain open to everyone and this is crucial. Taiwan is so close to Okinawa and in case there is a Chinese attack against Taiwan, the first place refugees would go would be Okinawa.