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China dissatisfied with Japanese comments on Taiwan's status

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-05-05 21:34

BEIJING - China on Tuesday voiced strong dissatisfaction with remarks by the head of the Taipei office of Japan's Interchange Association who commented on the "uncertainty of Taiwan's status."

China has lodged a solemn representation to Japan, said a Foreign Ministry spokesman Tuesday.

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Masaki Saito, who directs Japan's Interchange Association, said Taiwan's international status remained unresolved at a symposium held at National Chung Cheng University in southern Taiwan on Friday.

"It is recognized by the international community that Taiwan has always been an inalienable part of China," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu in a statement.

He said any attempts to fabricate the "uncertainty of Taiwan's status" were in defiance of the core interests of China, and were absolutely unacceptable to the Chinese government and people.

After China's representation, Japan had made clear that Saito's comments did not reflect the position of the Japanese government, according to Ma.

Saito retracted his remarks Saturday after Taiwan lodged a protest and demanded an explanation of the remarks, according to reports of Taiwan's Central News Agency

According to the 1972 Sino-Japanese Joint Statement, the Japanese government fully understands and respects the Chinese government's position on Taiwan as being an inalienable part of the territory of China.

Ma said the Japanese side had reaffirmed that its position on Taiwan's status remained unchanged and would not change in the future.