Former president of the Philippines, Fidel Ramos, has arrived in Taiwan yesterday on a personal visit, which comes amid a diplomatic row over the Philippines' decision in deporting Taiwanese fraud suspects to China.

Even though Ramos has indicated in an interview that sacking Philippine officials who are responsible for this matter would be more meaningful than making an apology, the Foreign Ministry has refused to comment on Ramos' assertion.

So far, no arrangements have been made for him to meet with President Ma or other government officials.

Taiwan has been waiting for a formal apology from the Philippines for the handling of deporting Taiwanese criminal suspects to China.

In the middle of the diplomatic row, former president of the South East Asian country Fidel Ramos makes a personal visit to Taiwan.

Observes wonder if the guest would be meeting President Ma.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs says no arrangements have been made for Ramos to meet with President Ma or Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Before leaving for Taiwan, Ramos published an article on a daily newspaper "Manila Bulletin", saying that the country shouldn't send the 14 Taiwanese criminal suspects to China simply based on One-China policy and stressing that it's more meaningful for the administration to lay off officials responsible for the mistake than to offer a formal apology to Taiwan.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs refused to comment on whether the statement is intended as a friendly gesture to Taiwan.

Ramos' visit this time is private and focuses on sports and business. Observers speculate whether he would release any friendly statements during his stay in Taiwan to alleviate the tension between the two countries.

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