US denies, Philippines grants refuel stop for Chen

Deutsche Presse Agentur
Published: Wednesday August 30, 2006

Taipei- The United States has barred Taiwan's presidential plane from refuelling on its territory of Guam, but the Philippines has granted its permission, Taiwan media reports said Wednesday. Washington denied a refuelling stop to President Chen Shui-bian's jet because it thinks Chen is using a visit next week to Palau and Naru for propaganda purposes, The United Daily News said without citing sources for its report.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Ching-lung refused to comment on the story but said Taipei is seeking US permission for the refuelling stop on the Pacific island ahead of Chen's planned September 3 departure.

Later, the United Evening News said the Philippines would allow Chen's Air Force One to refuel there.

The evening paper said the Philippines stop would be made on Chen's way to Palau but Taiwan was still seeking permission to land in Guam on Chen's way home.

However, a Philippine foreign affairs official said Wednesday that no clearance had been given for Chen's plane to refuel in Manila.

"No, if he is the president, he cannot transit - only private persons can," said the official, who requested anonymity.

The official added that such stops would only be allowed in cases of emergency.

Granting Chen a refuelling stop would likely anger China because both the Philippines and the United States have diplomatic ties with Beijing, not Taipei.

But the Philippines and Taiwan maintain close trading ties, and Taiwan is a main destination for Filipino workers and maids. About 100,000 Filipinos work in Taiwan.

In 1995, former president Lee Teng-hui made an unofficial visit to the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand and met the three nations' leaders, causing China to lodge strong protests with the three countries. Taipei lauded the trip as successful "vacation diplomacy."

Chen's four-day visit is to feature a summit on Palau, where he is to meet the heads of Taiwan's six Pacific allies.

In the past, the United States has granted refuelling stops to Taiwan leaders despite the lack of diplomatic ties. However, Chen's Air Force One is painted with Taiwan's national flag, and if allowed to land on US soil, it would be a first for Taiwan and would be considered a diplomatic breakthrough for Taipei.

Taiwan, seat of the exiled Republic of China since the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949, is recognized by 24 countries while 170 countries recognize China, which regards Taiwan as a breakaway province.

Chen is to make the trip as he faces mounting pressure to step down over a string of corruption allegations involving his aides and family members.

© 2006 DPA - Deutsche Presse-Agenteur