Envoy slams Australian accusations

NOT GUILTY Taiwan's representative in Canberra countered claims that Taipei had provided financial backing for Solomon Islands politicians

AGENCIES , SYDNEY AND TAIPEI,WITH STAFF WRITER

Responding to Howard's accusation, Lu said that Taiwan's aid to the Solomon Islands is for projects aimed at improving local living standards in a sustainable way.

"Australia and New Zealand are important regional partners in the Oceania area. Taiwan's aid to the Solomon Islands is actually helping to share the international burden [for these developing countries]," Lu said.

Additional reporting by Chang Yun-ping

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