Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian on Saturday criticized Japan's fear of reprisals from mainland China over its Taiwan policy and urged Tokyo to allow former Taiwan President Lee Teng-hui to visit this fall.

"There are a few problems that Japan and the Japanese people worry about too much," Chen said.

Chen, who has been a firm backer of a Lee visit to Japan, said Tokyo should have the guts to stand up to Beijing.

"I feel there are a few issues where one should not dance according to China's wishes," he said. "Japan is a sovereign independent country and should have its own national stance."