Red carpet for Pacific island leader in Taipei
Taiwan, engaged in a diplomatic tug of war with the mainland, rolled out the red carpet yesterday for the head of state of the tiny Marshall Islands as he arrived for a six-day official visit.
Officials said the government of President Chen Shui-bian viewed the visit by Kessai Note - his fourth since 2002 - as significant, especially since Beijing offered huge loans to eight of its island allies in the region.
Mr Chen went to the airport to welcome Mr Note, the first time he has ever greeted any state leader at the airport.
He also ordered a 21-gun salute to be held today in front of the Presidential Office, indicating that he considered the Pacific island leader's visit important, presidential officials said.
The officials said it would be the first time any ceremony of this kind had been held outside Mr Chen's office.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Michel Lu Ching-lung said Mr Note's trip indicated the 'intimate and firm' relationship between Taiwan and the Marshall Islands.
'Since President Note assumed office six years ago, he has spoken on behalf of Taiwan many times. He is a true friend to us, and his visit can further cement bilateral ties,' Mr Lu said.
But critics said the recent offer by Premier Wen Jiabao of US$374 million in loans to its allies in the Pacific region was the main reason why the government saw Mr Note's trip as significant.
In a bid to step up its influence in that region and squeeze out Taiwan, Mr Wen held talks with eight South Pacific island nations last week and pledged major aid contributions to them. Taiwan feared the pledge might tempt its six allies in the region to switch recognition to the mainland.
