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| DPM Lee on private visit to Taiwan The Straits Times, 07.12.2004 DEPUTY Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong is making a private and unofficial visit to Taiwan to meet with friends he last saw in 1992, Singapore's Foreign Affairs Ministry said last night. The ministry was responding to press queries following media reports in Taiwan about the visit which appeared to have riled Chinese officials. China's Foreign Ministry unleashed what Reuters news agency described as a characteristic volley of rhetoric, expressing 'strong dissatisfaction' with the visit. 'The Singaporean side should take full responsibilities for results from the event,' Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhang Qiyue was quoted as saying in a statement yesterday. In response, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman in Singapore said: 'DPM Lee is making a private and unofficial visit to Taiwan to meet with friends. He last visited them in 1992. 'Singapore has consistently maintained a 'One China' policy. We do not support independence for Taiwan. 'This is our fundamental position. DPM Lee's private visit does not in any way change this policy, nor does it represent any challenge to China's sovereignty or territorial integrity. 'Singapore values our close and extensive bilateral relations with China. It would be regrettable if bilateral relations were to be affected by this private visit.' DPM Lee is in Taiwan for three days until tomorrow. |