BEIJING - A famous mainland philanthropist arrived for a charity tour of Taiwan on Wednesday, saying his purpose was to "reciprocate to the Taiwan people", not to show off his wealth.

Chen Guangbiao, 43, one of China's richest men, told China Daily he will visit eight counties to give hongbao - traditional red packets of gift money - to disadvantaged families to express gratitude to the island for its help to the mainland in natural disasters.

"Out of respects for local customs, the governments of three counties will help hand out the money to the unprivileged families, I will give the hongbao directly to the people in need in other areas," Chen said.

He said he decided to make business inspection a major purpose of his trip in order to prevent his charitable act from being misinterpreted.

According to earlier reports by Xinhua News Agency, Chen originally sought to hand out gifts personally, rather than deliver them to county governments. Some local officials said that plan was inappropriate and undignified for the recipients.

Chen announced his weeklong tour to the island on Monday, including cash donations of NT$500 million ($17.2 million) to disadvantaged families in New Taipei city and Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Nantou and other counties. His itinerary also included business talks with local companies and a visit to the Taipei Flora Expo and other landmarks.

About 500 households in Taiwan are expected to receive the money, China Central Television reported.

"Some people in line to receive the donation burst into tears, as the money will help them have a joyful Spring Festival," according to an official from Hsinchu county who was quoted by the Taiwan-based United Daily News.

Lai Shin-yuan, the island's mainland affairs chief, said on Tuesday that Taiwan authorities would not object to Chen's charitable activities, but the dignity of the recipients should be considered.

Chen said that whether his charity work is low-key or not, the nature of giving is the same, and he hopes he can make the trip an annual event.

"I prefer it to be high-profile since I believe by doing so I can encourage others to give charity," he said.

Chen was in the limelight in September when he responded to US billionaires Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, who hosted a banquet in Beijing to promote charity. Chen said in an online open letter that he would "donate all my wealth to charity when I leave this world" and "it is a shame to die hoarding one's wealth".

Chen, who is CEO of a resources recycling company in East China's Jiangsu province, has assets estimated to be worth 5 billion yuan ($759 million).

Fan Liqing, spokeswoman for the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office, told a news conference on Wednesday that her office acknowledged Chen's action and the charitable activities between the Straits should be encouraged.

Zhao Yinan and Xinhua contributed to this story.

China Daily

(China Daily 01/27/2011 page7)