On January 8th, Taiwanese president Chen Shui-bian arrived in San Francisco. Many from the American Chinese community turned out in front of the St. Regis Hotel to greet Chen's motorcade. The turnout of Chen loyalists and opponents appeared equally divided. Supporters wore the green of Chen's DPP political party; opponents the traditional Chinese red.
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His opponents, composed of Taiwanese and mainland immigrants who wish to see the eventual reunification of Taiwan with the mainland drew the most attention from passerbys and the Chinese media with their cries denouncing Chen. They were especially critical of the corruption charges that Chen has been able to narrowly elude to date. One observer mentioned that Time Magazine recently did a story about the most corrupt leaders in the world and Chen ranked as the fifth most corrupt. Chen is also controversial because of his avowed desire to make Taiwan an independent country.
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Taiwan no longer has formal diplomatic ties with the United States. The People's Republic of China (PRC) has strongly protested Chen's ability to travel in the U.S. This has created little unease with the Bush administration which allows Chen to visit on occasion. That Chen should be one of a few government leaders to celebrate Daniel Ortega's inauguration draws attention to Taiwan's increasing isolation from the world community of nations. Daniel Ortega has indicated that he may break off formal ties with Taiwan (the Republic of China or ROC). The governments of Taiwan and Nicaragua have had a cozy relationship for years and Chen hopes to salvage it.

George W. Bush's father's administration worked hard to institutionalize political, economic and military support for Taiwan in spite of transference of official recognition to the PRC.
Political status of Taiwan | Taiwan independence | Exploring Chinese History