Taipei, Jan. 19 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian said Wednesday that since Taiwan is in a very difficult diplomatic situation, the nation will keep a low-profile while delivering relief materials to South and Southeast Asian countries affected by the Dec. 26 earthquake and resulting tsunamis.
Chen made the remarks while addressing an award presentation ceremony at the Tainan County Cultural Center, during which he presented "Phoenix Awards" to 30 outstanding fire fighters.
According to media reports, Taiwan's military aircraft flew two sorties to Indonesia last week to deliver relief supplies and covered up the Republic of China's national emblem on the plane's fuselage and wing to avoid possible protests from mainland China.
As the Beijing authorities spare no efforts to deter Taiwan from participating in international affairs, Chen pointed out that the government should keep a low profile in offering humanitarian aid to tsunami-hit countries.
Noting that love and humanitarian aid have no boundaries, Chen said that the government will try any feasible approach to deliver all relief goods donated by the public and private sectors to disaster zones to demonstrate Taiwan's love and concern for tsunami victims.
Chen voiced the hope that all 170 metric tons of relief material donated by the government and private groups will be transported to tsunami-affected countries by Jan. 28.
The president further said that Taiwan has promised to donate US$50.25 million to assist in post-tsunami reconstruction work in disaster regions and has dispatched about 400 relief workers to disaster zones since the Dec. 26 catastrophe. In addition, the nation will also sponsor 10,000 tsunami-affected children for one year, he said.