The Austrian unit of German electronics giant Siemens has invited Hsieh to attend a ceremony in Vienna May 31 when the first train built for a Taiwanese metro system will roll off the assembly line, the United Daily News said.

During his low-profile trip, Hsieh plans to meet Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel and go on to Germany. ``But the Chinese communists have voiced serious concerns after the visit plan was leaked,'' the newspaper quoted an unnamed government source as saying.

``The Austrian government in a U-turn said recently it would not issue an entry visa to Hsieh, and the German government also denied Hsieh's entry visa two days ago,'' the source said. Taiwan cabinet spokesman Chuo Jung-tai confirmed the report, saying ``last-ditch efforts are under way'' to salvage the trip.

Beijing opposes foreign visits by any government officials from Taiwan.

Siemens promised to invite Hsieh to visit Europe after it won a multibillion-dollar contract in 2001 to supply key equipment for the metro system in Kaohsiung, the paper said.

``Siemens made the invitation when the premier served as the Kaohsiung mayor,'' Chuo said.

Hsieh was appointed premier by President Chen Shui-bian in a cabinet reshuffle last year.

Transport Minister Lin Ling-san and Kaohsiung's acting mayor Chen Chi-mai have also been invited to attend the ceremony, the newspaper said.

Chuo condemned Beijing for its persistent efforts to squeeze the island in the international arena despite the easing of tensions across the Taiwan Strait following the landmark visit to the mainland by Kuomintang chief Lien Chan.

``But the event indicated that China's alleged `goodwill' remains lip service,'' Chuo said.

Following the landmark discussions between Lien and President Hu Jintao, the KMT and the Chinese Communist Party issued a joint statement in which they agreed to urge consultations to help Taiwan ``participate in international activities.'' Both parties also agreed to oppose Taiwan independence and push forward cross-strait talks.AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE