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Dalai Lama to Visit Taiwan

By the Associated Press

Posted Aug 26, 2009 9:30 PM CDT

(AP) – Taiwan has agreed to let the Dalai Lama visit the island to comfort survivors of a devastating typhoon, a decision that could anger China. Beijing considers the Buddhist spiritual leader a "splittist" for promoting autonomy in the Chinese region of Tibet. Allowing him to visit Taiwan could undermine the rapidly improving relations between Beijing and Taipei, which have been developing close business ties after decades of enmity.

China claims self-governing Taiwan as part of its territory, though they split amid civil war in 1949. Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou made the surprise announcement Thursday when he visited a school destroyed in mudslides triggered by Typhoon Morakot early this month. The storm claimed 670 lives.

Mudslides following Typhoon Morakot killed nearly 700 in Taiwan. (AP Photo)

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama. (AP Photo)

The Dalai Lama. (AP Photo)

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Taiwan Re-Elects China-Friendly Prez

Ma Ying-jeou promises 'sovereignty,' more economic ties with mainland

Challenge to China: Another Monk Sets Self on Fire

It's the 12th self-immolation in Tibet since March

Apple Now Takes Chinese Currency for Apps

It welcomes the yuan, and a huge new market

Tibetan Nun Sets Self Ablaze

Woman dies after 9th clergy self-immolation since March

South Africa Blocks Dalai Lama Visit

Desmond Tutu slams ANC after visa denied

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

China • Taiwan • Dalai Lama • mudslide • Ma Ying-jeou • Typhoon Morakot

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Taiwan Re-Elects China-Friendly Prez

Ma Ying-jeou promises 'sovereignty,' more economic ties with mainland

Challenge to China: Another Monk Sets Self on Fire

It's the 12th self-immolation in Tibet since March

Apple Now Takes Chinese Currency for Apps

It welcomes the yuan, and a huge new market

Tibetan Nun Sets Self Ablaze

Woman dies after 9th clergy self-immolation since March

South Africa Blocks Dalai Lama Visit

Desmond Tutu slams ANC after visa denied

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

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More News

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