Lu to make trip to Indonesia, source in government says

Vice President Annette Lu (呂秀蓮) will travel to Indonesia this morning, constituting what one official dubbed as "vacation diplomacy," a government source told the Taipei Times yesterday.

But Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Katharine Chang (張小月), as well as one of Lu's close aides, denied knowledge of the trip.

When contacted by the Taipei Times, a reliable government source confirmed that Lu was scheduled to leave for Indonesia today.

When asked if the planned trip could be dubbed as "vacation diplomacy," the source said: "You may say so."

But the official said that media disclosure of Lu's journey could force its cancellation.

"There are a few hours left [before her departure] so there is still uncertainty, as China would definitely act to block her trip," the source said.

If confirmed, the trip would surely infuriate China. Jakarta recognizes Beijing rather than Taipei.

The trip was first reported yesterday in Chinese-language media, which characterized it as part of a government attempt to persuade businessmen to invest in Southeast Asia rather than China.