Taiwan president plans Latin America visit

14/07/2008 12:04:19

Taiwan's new President Ma Ying-jeou is planning to head to Latin America next month to visit some of the island's only allies on his first overseas trip as leader.

The United Daily News says Ma could travel in August to the Dominican Republic and Paraguay, two of the 23 nations that recognise Taiwan instead of China, from which the island split in 1949 after a civil war.

The Beijing-friendly Ma, who took office on May 20, has ushered in a new era of warming ties between Taiwan and China.

Earlier this month, the two sides launched regular direct flights for the first time since their split.

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