TAIPEI - TAIWANESE President Ma Ying-jeou sets off on Wednesday on a 10-day trip to Central America amid signs rival China is easing its stance on the island's representation in the international community.

President Ma's visit comes a week after a Taiwanese minister attended the World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva as an observer.

It was the first time the island participated in any United Nations forum since the China seat in the world body was transferred from Taipei to Beijing in 1971.

The WHA is the decision-making body of the World Health Organisation.

During his Central American trip President Ma is to expected to visit Belize, Guatemala and El Salvador, which are among only 23 countries that still recognise Taiwan.

By contrast China has relations with more than 200.

Aside from relations with China, President Ma's trip also highlights improved ties with the United States, which suffered under former president Chen Shui-bien's pro-independence leadership.

While Chen was confined to a brief transit stopover in relatively remote Alaska during his final Latin American trip, President Ma will be allowed to transit heavily populated Los Angeles, where he will meet with members of the local Taiwanese community. -- AP