On the first day of his visit to Taiwan, the Dalai Lama has praised the island’s democracy.

The exiled Tibetan leader said the Taiwanese should keep close ties with mainland China, whilst maintaining their democracy. The Dalai Lama’s visit is controversial. China considers him a rebel, while Taiwan is seen as a renegade province.

The Buddhist spiritual leader says the purpose of his visit is to support the victims of typhoon Morakot. He visited a village which has been hard hit by the natural disaster.
 

Photo: Dalai Lama in Taiwan - EPA