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President Thieu, himself a general, received full military honors at Taipei airport and reviewed the Republic of China's crack honor guard. Welcome arches, flags and portraits lined the streets, as did the citizens of free China, eager to get a look at one of the world's leading anti-Communist fighters. Presidents Thieu and Chiang Kai-shek exchanged toasts at a state dinner given in the visitor's honor (top). The Chinese leader, who has fought the Communists for a lifetime, said the Republics of China and Vietnam are engaged in a common struggle. President Thieu cited history to shaw the wisdom of Chiang Kai-shek in the battle for Asian freedom. He recalled that President Chiang also had refused coalition with the Communists and thus was able to go on fighting from the Taiwan bastion. Without the help of Russia, the Chinese Communists would never have been able to take over the mainland, President Thieu declared. It was President Chiang, he added, who gave warning against the illusions that led to the advances of Communism.
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Top left: Mayor Henry Kao of Taipei received a decoration from President Thieu and responded with a portrait of the Vietnamese leader. Bottom left: Chao Tsu-yu, chairman of the Assistance Commission for Retired Servicemen, presented a set of marble urns to President Thieu. Top right: Flanked by Vice President C. K. Yen and General Kao Kuei-yuan, President Thieu paid his respects to the nation's heroes at the Martyrs' Shrine. Bottom right: Vice President Yen led the briefing on economic and social affairs for President Thieu at the Executive Yuan.
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Madame Thieu sometimes followed her own separate schedule of visits. Top: Accompanied by Madame Chiang, she saw the therapy for crippled children at the Chen Hsing Rehabilitation Center sponsored by China's First Lady. Bottom: She joined her husband in receiving students and other members of the Taiwan Vietnamese colony at a Taipei reception.
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A special mass for President and Madame Thieu was recited (right) at the Grand Hotel on Sunday, June 1. Archbishop Stanislaus Lokuang officiated. Below: When Madame Thieu visited the Chinese Women's Anti-Aggression League, Secretary General Pih Yi-shu, left, had a gift for the Thieus' son, who is enrolled at the Catholic Dominican School in Taipei. At right is Mrs. C. K. Yen, the wife of the Vice President, who accompanied Madame Thieu. The CWAAL was established by Madame Chiang Kai-shek and has a membership of nearly a quarter of a million.
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On the occasion of his visit to the Tsao-tun Farmers' Association in central Taiwan, President Thieu signed in with his three-character name (top). He learned the Chinese characters from his father. Until recently, most highly educated Vietnamese studied the characters. Bottom: the President shakes hands with a deposit department clerk of the Farmers' Association The visiting chief of state showed great interest in agricultural progress and land reform. Top: Tasting sample seeds of Taiwan rice varieties. Food Bureau Chief Li Rien-chuen is at left and Vice President C. K. Yen at right. Economics Minister Li stands beside President Thieu. Bottom: Minister Li translates for Governor Huang Chieh (far right) in explaining an exhibit at the Taiwan Provincial Government headquarters near Taichung. Thieu is a young-looking 46.
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Madame Thieu had to carry out the shopping chores for family and friends back home. She found many Taiwan products of interest. Top, left: She bought coral and jade. The waters around Taiwan produce some of the loveliest coral in the world. Jade is not of so high a quality but the reasonable price makes up for the imperfections. Top, right: She was surprised at the complete range of Taiwan textiles. A few years ago only cotton materials were made. Synthetics of various kinds are now available as well as good woolens. President Thieu answered questions for some 200 members of the press at the Grand Hotel just before departure (bottom). Interpreting was Mason Yeh, international operations chief of the Government Information Office. The Vietnamese chief executive said his visit had been constructive and profitable, and that it had helped prepare him for the summit with President Nixon. It wasn't surprising that on his return to Saigon he received the biggest welcome since he first began his travels in the cause of South Vietnam's freedom and independence.