The Japanese government expressed its hope on Monday that the Taiwan leader would stick to his commitment not to declare Taiwan independence. 

At a regular press conference held in Beijing Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao expressed China's appreciation of Japan's statement on the Taiwan question.

According to a Japanese Foreign Ministry press release, the Japanese government stated on Monday it hoped Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian would abide by his commitment to the "Four Noes" -- not to declare Taiwan independence, not to incorporate the "two states" remarks into its "constitution", not to change the so-called country's name and not to call a referendum on independence during his tenure as leader.

The Japanese government also said it hoped Chen would remain cautious on the issues of the referendum and drawing up a new "constitution."

Liu said the statement was "positive," adding, "we appreciate this statement."

Liu said China hoped Japan would cautiously handle the question of Taiwan, and take more action conducive to China's reunification and the stability and development of Sino-Japanese ties.

In another development, Japan has joined the United States in expressing concern about the Taiwan leader's plan to hold a March 20 referendum.

Japanese envoy Katsuhisa Uchida conveyed Tokyo's worries about the vote during a meeting with Taiwanese officials in Taiwan on Monday.

Japan's Kyodo news agency reported that Uchida urged Chen to "exercise caution." The envoy also said the planned referendum has already aggravated cross-Straits tensions.

Also at yesterday’s briefing, according to the spokesman, the Chinese government has boosted its 5 million yuan (US$600,000) worth of material assistance for Iran's earthquake relief with another 10 million yuan (US$1.2 million) worth of materials to help the victims.

Liu said the materials would be sent to Iran in a few days.

A strong earthquake, with a magnitude of 6.3 on the Richter scale, rocked the city of Bam in Iran's Kerman Province early Friday, leaving tens of thousands dead. Several aftershocks, including one of 5.3 degrees on the Richter scale, further battered the city and increased the damage.

In regard to a report that the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) would send delegates to visit the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the spokesman said that China is concerned with this unilateral decision by USCIRF.

The commission's decision came out while China's State Administration of Religious Affairs was consulting with it about the schedule for a China tour by its delegates, Liu said.

He said the commission's unilateral decision on visiting Hong Kong was not proper at this time.

China hoped the commission would not do anything to harm the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong, Liu said.

(Sources including China Daily and Xinhua News Agency, December 31, 2003)