China has protested against a visit by Taiwan's former leader Lee Teng-hui to Japan. Lee, who arrived in Tokyo on Tuesday, is in the country for a six-day tour.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited Lee in his hotel on Saturday where they reportedly spoke for an hour and thirty minutes. Lee, however, would not reveal the topic of their discussion.

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China's foreign ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang said Lee is a Taiwan separatist in a statement released on Friday. He added that China objects to Lee's visit due to his association with the Taiwan independence movement.

The spokesperson reminded Tokyo to adhere to political agreements between both nations as well as the One-China policy. According to Lu, Lee's visit could create "new political barriers" in the Sino-Japan bilateral relationship.

Taiwan's State Council Affairs Office spokesperson Ma Xiaoguang has also castigated Tokyo for permitting Lee's visit. Ma further criticized Lee's position on the disputed territory in the East China Sea. China and Japan have competing claims of ownership over a group of islands in the East China Sea.

Lee's itinerary in Japan involved a three-day tour of Tokyo, where the former Taiwanese president made a speech in front of Japanese lawmakers. He then left the Japanese capital and proceeded to the Fukushima Prefecture to visit a local hospital on Friday. Later during the day, Lee flew to Sendai City, where he is expected to stay until July 25.

On Sunday, Lee will go to Iwanuma City to pay respect to victims of the 2011 natural disasters. He is expected to return to Taiwan later the same day.

Lee is touring Japan along with three of his family members. He holds the distinction of being the first president of Taiwan or Republic of China (R.O.C.).  Lee was elected in 1988 and stepped down after being in power for 12 years.

Tagslee teng-hui, Taiwan, Sino-Japanese Relations, Taiwan Independence Movement, Lee Teng-Hui Japan, Lee Teng-Hui Yasukuni