As the island braces for the impact of Longwang, Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian has created a political storm with a surprise visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that has infuriated the mainland.
Mr Chen arrived in Abu Dhabi on Friday, to be greeted by President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahayan's younger brother, Sheikh Hamid bin Zayed al-Nahayan, at the airport with Taiwan's Republic of China flag flying, Taiwanese media reported yesterday.
The Taipei-based Liberty Times said Mr Chen and Sheikh Khalifa would 'discuss upgrading military and trade ties'.
'I want to thank the UAE,' Mr Chen told Taiwanese journalists covering his five-nation visit to Central American and Caribbean allies and his surprise detour.
'I was really moved to see [Taiwan's] national flag flying over the airport, given that China has never stopped trying to prevent Taiwan from ... strengthening its relations with other countries.'
He added that although Beijing protested strongly to the Gulf state, Abu Dhabi ignored it. The UAE recognises Beijing, not Taipei.
