Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian has revealed the island gave NT$5 billion ($1.15 billion) in aid over the past decade to Senegal, which recently switched diplomatic recognition to Beijing. Mr Chen made the surprise statement as he accused the opposition Kuomintang of appeasing the mainland at the expense of the island's interests. He was speaking during a campaign rally on Saturday night for candidates of his ruling Democratic Progressive Party running in next month's local elections. Mr Chen pointed out that when Senegal broke off ties with Taiwan, former KMT chairman Lien Chan was on the mainland - a visit during which he held two pandas Beijing intended to give to the island. To illustrate the cost of Senegal's defection, Mr Chen said each panda cost Taiwan NT$2.5 billion. Analysts and Taiwanese media said that by revealing the aid figure, Mr Chen hoped to label the KMT as a pro-Beijing party and reduce its chances in next month's elections. But they said the revelation, which goes against normal diplomatic practices, would only make other allies seek more money from Taiwan. Opposition parties yesterday lashed out at Mr Chen for revealing the figure, saying it would only cause more trouble for Taiwan. They also said the Senegal defection was an example of Mr Chen's inability to maintain relations with the island's allies.
