China has expressed profound concern over the landing of Yu Shyi-Kun, head of Taiwan's "Executive Yuan," at a Japanese airport on Wednesday. Yu was returning to Taiwan after a stopover in the US and reportedly was diverted to Okinawa because of Typhoon Aere.

"We strongly oppose the Taiwan leaders, by any pretext, conducting political activities in countries that have diplomatic relations with China," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan on Wednesday.

According to AFP, an Okinawan prefectural official said that Yu met Okinawa Vice Governor Hirotaka Makino in a waiting room at the airport during his stop there. The official was unable to give details of the meeting, but Kyodo News said that Yu proposed that Taiwan and Okinawa hold a conference to promote economic and cultural exchanges.

China has demanded that Japan properly deal with the matter, strictly following the principles of the Sino-Japan joint communiqué and the promises Japan has made concerning the Taiwan question.

China and Japan established formal diplomatic relations in 1972. Japan has since barred official contacts with Taiwan.

Meanwhile, new Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's recent stand against Taiwan independence got a cautious welcome from China. Lee said that Singapore's one-China policy would not change.

"We noticed Singapore's new leader has reiterated its one-China policy and firmly opposes Taiwan independence," said Kong. "This accords with the interest of Singapore, reflects the common understanding of the international community and will benefit the peace and stability of this region."

In his first policy speech, given last week after taking office on August 12, Lee said, "If Taiwan goes for independence, Singapore will not recognize it. In fact, no Asian country will recognize it."

"China's position on the Taiwan issue is clear-cut," Kong said. "All the countries that establish diplomatic relations with China should adhere to the one-China policy."

He added, "We are firmly opposed to official exchanges in any form between the Taiwan authorities and countries that have diplomatic relations with China."

On July 10, then-Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister Lee made an "unofficial" visit to Taiwan, regardless of solemn representations repeatedly made by China.

(China Daily August 26, 2004)