The Dalai Lama denied any political agenda as he began what he described as a "purely humanitarian" mission on Sunday to comfort victims of Taiwan's worst storm, trying to calm fears that he would further anger China by verging into politics.
Although the Tibetan spiritual leader has traveled to Taiwan before, many fear his arrival could hurt the island's improving relations with rival China, the signature issue in the 15-month-old administration of Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou. China has protested the visit.
The Dalai Lama, who clasped his hands and smiled as he greeted Buddhist followers and supporters at the Taoyuan International Airport near Taipei, said his visit would have no political overtone.
"I've visited different parts of the world, and I may have a political agenda there ... (but) my visit here is purely for humanitarian concerns," he said.
His arrival at a suburban Taipei train station was greeted by about 50 demonstrators waving Chinese flags and banners supporting unification with China and shouting "Go home Dalai Lama, don't come here".
China has long vilified the Dalai Lama for what it says are his attempts to fight for independence in Tibet. Beijing has said it "resolutely opposes" the Taiwan visit "in whatever form and capacity".
