Taiwan Journal

I Wan Jan Puppet Theater Director Li Chuang-tsain (left) operates a puppet while meeting French actress Juliette Binoche (right) while promoting a new movie that they are both starring in. The movie, titled "The Flight of the Red Balloon," will be screened in Taiwan next month. Directed by Taiwanese director Hou Hsiao-hsien, the drama of a Parisian family is a reinvention of French filmmaker Albert Lamorisse's 1956 classic short "The Red Balloon." (CNA)

ROC offers disaster aid

Taiwan has offered to send rescue teams and humanitarian aid to China following a magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck the southwestern province of Sichuan May 12. The death toll stands at more than 14,000, with this number set to soar as authorities struggle to reach casualties in areas cut off from relief.

President Chen Shui-bian and Premier Chang Chun-hsiung expressed their deepest concerns and offered condolences to residents in the disaster zone May 13. Incoming president Ma Ying-jeou, New Party Chairman Yok Mu-ming and Lien Chan--honorary chairman of the Kuomintang--also expressed concerns over the worst earthquake to hit China in three decades.

After learning of the Sichuan quake, Chen immediately instructed the Executive Yuan to integrate resources from civil relief organizations and conduct rescue operations. He urged local charity groups to take all possible means to hel...