President Chen Shui-bian (
"In spite of China's intimidation and financial temptation, it can not erase Taiwan's contribution to the international community, nor can China win international approval by blocking Taiwan's humanitarian support," Chen said at the CKS International Airport yesterday.
Chen was speaking at the end of a 10-day trip to Africa, during which he visited Senegal, Sao Tome and Principe, Malawi and Swaziland.
Only 28 countries in the world have diplomatic ties with Taiwan, most of which are located in Africa and Latin American.
Chen vowed to lead Taiwan out of its international isolation when he became president and has visited 15 of Taiwan's diplomatic allies.
Taiwan has offered humanitarian help to these nations, frequently in the form of medical and agricultural missions. While in Malawi, he donated 2,000 tonnes of corn worth an estimated US$300,000.
Chen likened the missions to the missionaries who preached Christianity in Africa many centuries ago.
"For the past few decades, [these groups] have been like God's messengers, spreading the gospel of humanitarian concern and bringing hope and warmth to these people. I have the utmost respect for them," he said.
Chen said that although Africa has been dubbed the "dark continent," he had learned during his trip that Africa is not dark, but "a land full of sunshine and warmth."
He said he had direct and cordial conversations with leaders of the four countries he had visited.
"After 10 days, our skin has darkened. I believe our relations with our allies have also grown stronger," he added.
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