Two legislators who accompanied President Chen Shui-bian (
"The KMT's allegation that the president has spent around US$500 million on his trips is a joke. It's nonsense," said Ho Min-hao (
The KMT claimed that three state visits by Chen since his inauguration in May 2000 have cost taxpayers NT$15 billion, a little less than US$500 million.
Ho was speaking at a press conference held with DPP lawmaker Parris Chang (
Ho lauded Chen's trip to Africa, during which he donated US$300,000 to Malawi to buy 2,000 tonnes of corn and another US$150,000 to Swaziland to buy 1,000 tonnes of corn to help alleviate food shortages.
"This substantive assistance can benefit the civilians directly, while an enormous cash donation, in the name of foreign aid, could end up in the pockets of a few in the ruling class," Ho said.
Ho also gave the president a high score for what he saw as the president's persistence and energy during the 10-day journey.
Chang contrasted Taipei's aid to these African countries with that offered by Beijing.
Although the total foreign aid that Taiwan has offered to African countries is little compared to the amount given by China, Chang said, Taiwan has chosen concrete measures, such as assisting locals to develop their agricultural skills.
"China helped some African countries build huge assembly halls or stadiums, things that look grand but could not benefit the people in substantive terms," Chang said.
Chen made his first state visit in August 2000, when he toured six diplomatic allies in Central America and Africa. His second was made in May of last year, when he visited five allies in Central and South America.
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