Via Breitbart: Tokyo Gov. Ishihara to attend inauguration of new Taiwan president

TOKYO, May 2 (AP) - (Kyodo)—Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara said Friday he will attend the presidential inauguration ceremony of Ma Ying-jeou scheduled for May 20 in Taiwan.

Speaking at a news conference, Ishihara said he has received an invitation to the inauguration and will visit Taiwan from May 19 to 21. Arrangements are also being made for him to be decorated following an offer by President Chen Shui-bian, he said.

It will be his seventh trip to Taiwan as Tokyo governor.

Asked if he anticipates that his visit will ruffle Beijing, Ishihara said, "I consider myself as a friend for both (China and Taiwan)."

Ishihara is also invited to the opening ceremony for the Beijing Olympics scheduled on Aug. 8. Regarding the invitation, he noted that Tokyo is bidding to host the Summer Olympics in 2016 and said, "I'll go if my schedule allows. I'd like to go if possible, because it should provide us with some pointers."

I think maybe it will ruffle Beijing. Let's see if they yank his Olympics invitation. Sounds as if he expects it since he is already saying he might not be able to go.