President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) on Thursday slammed China's underhanded tactics to block Taiwan's diplomatic ties, saying such dictatorial practices are beneath Taipei's humanitarian diplomacy.
"Taiwan has to stand up and walk out to extend the humanitarian concerns of its people to the world community," Chen told reporters in Sao Tome and Principe on Thursday afternoon before his departure for Malawi.
"But across the Strait, China has tried to isolate Taiwan in its attempt to expand its space in the diplomatic arena, as well as to obstruct Taiwan's participation in the humanitarian arena," Chen said.
Taiwan's humanitarian sympathies stand in stark contrast to China's hegemonic behavior, Chen said, illustrating Taiwan's need to contribute to the development of international society as well as the well-being of mankind.
Chen made the comments at the Hotel Miramar in San Tome and Principe, where he also discussed the input of Taiwan's agricultural and medical missions in Africa.
Chen said the contributions of Taiwanese workers and diplomats in the region was a way for the country to repay those nations from whom it had received assistance during its struggle to climb the development ladder.
"In view of Taiwan's devotion in the diplomatic field, China has not only resorted to every conceivable means to sabotage our ties with our diplomatic allies, but also tried to destroy the humanitarian aid that Taiwan can offer these countries," Chen said.
"When China fails in these attempts, it turns around to slander or vilify Taiwan's diplomatic allies. It is our firm belief that the international community will gradually recognize China's hegemonic nature," he said.
Turning to the issue of the spread of malaria in San Tome and Principe, Chen has instructed Minister of Health Lee Ming-liang (李明亮), who is part of Chen's delegation, to map out programs to help the country combat the disease.
"Chen has agreed to a proposal raised by Sao Tome and Principe that would require a large budget," Secretary General to the President Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) told the Taipei Times.
"But these funds will not be retrieved from any new budget pool. Instead, they will be drawn from an existing budget that Taiwan has promised to Sao Tome and Principe," Wu stressed.
After wrapping up his visit to Sao Tome and Principe, Chen and his 110-member delegation left for Malawi Thursday afternoon, where they were welcomed by Malawi Vice President Justin Malewezi at Lilongwe International Airport.
Chen and his delegation then made their way to Blantyre, the hometown of President Bakili Muluzi as well as the second-largest city in Malawi, to receive a military salute ceremony hosted by Muluzi.
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