|
Taiwan gives most in world to Japan
CHARITABLE FRIENDS: Although Taiwan collected
more than ¢D11 billion, some of the world¡¦s poorest nations have also contributed
to the relief efforts
Staff Writer, with CNA, Tokyo
A Japanese artist stands next to
a sand sculpture he made to thank Taiwanese for their donations to
quake-stricken Japan, at a beach in New Taipei City yesterday.
Photo: Wu Liang-yi, Taipei Times
Taiwan has donated more money to
earthquake-stricken Japan than any other country or region in the world,
surprising the Japanese and making them realize that Taiwanese are true friends,
a Japanese magazine reported in its latest issue.
The Shukan Shincho, a weekly magazine issued every Thursday, also ran a photo
showing President Ma Ying-jeou (°¨^¤E) soliciting donations for Japan on TV.
The report said more than 130 countries and regions have come to the aid of
Japan in the wake of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, such as the US, which
has not only donated money, but also mobilized about 18,000 soldiers for
assistance.
In addition, Afghanistan, one of the poorest countries in the world, has donated
¢D82 million (US$1 million), and many relatively poor countries in Africa, such
as Sudan, had also contributed funds.
SURPRISED
However, what surprised the Japanese the most was the helping hand extended by
Taiwan, the report said.
Taiwan has sent a rescue team and relief goods, and as of April 1, its Red Cross
Society had solicited ¢D10.99 billion in donations, up to 90 percent of which
came from private donors.
Though it has a population of only 23 million, Taiwan has donated even more than
the US, the report said.
PAST ACTIONS
The reports also cited a Japanese reporter stationed in Taiwan who said
Taiwanesee had not forgotten the goodwill shown by Japan in the wake of Taiwan¡¦s
devastating on Sept. 21, 1999 earthquake that left more than 2,000 people dead.
Japan sent a 145-member rescue team and donated NT$1.1 billion (US$37 million)
in funds to Taiwan after that natural disaster.
The magazine also cited diplomatic commentator Masahiro Miyazake¡¦s observation
that Japan¡¦s pro-China political figures and media have not treated Taiwan well.
Even former President Lee Teng-hui (§õµn½÷) sent encouraging messages to
quake-affected victims, but pro-China media has barely acknowledged Taiwan¡¦s
support, he said, observing that true friends are those who are there in
difficult times.
APPRECIATION
Meanwhile, Japanese travel agency H.I.S. Co also ran a full-page ad in the
largest-circulated newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun to express appreciation to Taiwan.
The ad said Taiwan sent a rescue team and relief goods, and the Red Cross
Society had collected ¢D11.01 billion as of Tuesday.
|
