Daily Press Briefing
Sean McCormack, Spokesman
Washington, DC
October 18, 2005
QUESTION: Do you have any comments regarding Chinese concerns about former President Lee
Teng-hui visiting Washington?
MR. MCCORMACK: I believe that this was a private visit and you know our policy with respect to visitors from Taiwan.
QUESTION: Was it transit related?
MR. MCCORMACK: Yes, it was transit related.
QUESTION: Just one more. Are you concerned about the — Prime Minister Koizumi visit to Yasukuni Shrine might have negative impacts on the upcoming six-party talks?
MR. MCCORMACK: We talked a lot about this yesterday. In terms of the six-party talks, I think all the
parties see that as a separate issue. We have encouraged any parties with concern about Prime Minister
Koizumi’s visit to this shrine — we have encouraged all parties involved in that question to have a diplomatic dialogue. I think that we all understand the historic concerns, and we urge all the parties involved to work through and overcome what may be some past historical differences on the issue.
Yes.
QUESTION: On Taiwan, quickly. The former president needs a visa to come to this country and the State Department obviously is the arm administering that process. Do you know if when he was considered for a visa, if he has already been, so if any considerations in terms of diplomatic or political concerns over in China might have been taken into account?
MR. MCCORMACK: Not that I’m aware of, no. Thank you.
