CHINA'S top officials arrived in Hiroshima yesterday, ensuring that the political row over the visit to Japan of Taiwanese deputy premier Hsu Li-teh will continue despite dropping the threat of a Chinese boycott.
Wei Jizhong, secretary-general of the Chinese Olympic Committee, said on his arrival at Hiroshima airport that the China squad will compete at the Games from October 1-16.
But he added that the Chinese delegation will seek urgent talks with officials from the Hiroshima Asian Games Organising Committee (HAGOC) to protest Mr Hsu's planned visit.
'We are definitely objecting to Mr Hsu coming to Hiroshima,' said Wei, who was mobbed by scuffling reporters and photographers on his arrival.
'We want to negotiate further with HAGOC officials.' However, Taiwanese Olympic Committee chief Chang Fung-shu, who touched down in Hiroshima barely two hours after Wei, dismissed China's protests.
'As a member of the Olympic Council of Asia, it is our duty and our right to participate in the Asian Games and China is not entitled to protest about anything,' said Chung as he was bundled into a waiting car.
