Taiwan President makes surprise India transit
TAIWAN: Taiwan’s President Ma Ying-jeou on Sunday made a
surprise stopover in Mumbai on his way to Africa in what officials said
was a sign of improving ties with India despite a lack of diplomatic
recognition. Ma had kept tight-lipped about the two-hour refuelling stop
in India until he departed Taipei late Saturday for his first trip to
Africa since he was elected in 2008. The three-leg trip will take Ma to
Burkina Faso, Gambia and Swaziland.
“This is a sign of the improving ties with India,” foreign ministry
spokesman James Chang said, adding that Taiwan planned to open a second
liaison office in India, in addition to the one already in New Delhi.
Beijing has opposed any overseas visit by government officials from
Taiwan, which it still regards as part of its territory awaiting to be
reunified by force if necessary, even though the island has ruled itself
for more than 60 years since their split in 1949 at the end of a civil
war.
Both sides have previously accused each other of using generous
financial packages to ensure the loyalty of governments or persuade them
to switch allegiance, especially in Africa, Latin America and the
Pacific.
However, ties have improved markedly since Ma of the China-friendly
Kuomintang party took office in 2008 and vowed to maintain a “diplomatic
truce” with Beijing. Ma was re-elected for a second and last four-year
term in January.
AFP |