‘Thank you, president,’ Beijing tourist hurt in Taiwan earthquake says to Tsai Ing-wen

The injured tourist has obviously not read the Chinese state media style guide

In the wake of Tuesday night’s deadly earthquake off the eastern coast of Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen visited hospitals yesterday to check on and encourage individuals injured in the violent tremors.

During one hospital visit, she came to the bedside of a tourist from Beijing who had been hurt in the quake. The doctor said that fortunately the man’s injury was only to the muscle, not to the bone, and Tsai told him that since he would likely be here for a while, she would make sure to get the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF), a semi-official organization set up by Taiwan to handle matters with the mainland, to take care of him.

“Ok, thank you, president,” the man replied.

This is a bit of a breach of protocol by the hospitalized tourist. Chinese state media always refers to Tsai Ing-wen as “Taiwan leader” (台湾当局领导人) or as the DPP “Party Chief” (党主席), but never as Madam President (总统).

Hopefully, he’ll get cut some slack by Chinese netizens considering he was seriously injured in an earthquake.

As of Thursday morning, the death toll of Tuesday night’s 6.4 magnitude earthquake which toppled buildings in the eastern tourist city of Hualien stands at 10 with rescuers continuing to search for the 58 still listed as missing.

Of those killed, 4 were Chinese tourists, at least 3 of whom were found dead inside the 12-story Yun Men Tsui Ti building. The building, which houses hotels, saw its first three stories collapse in the quake, causing it to lean dramatically to one side.

Taiwan has turned down China’s offer to provide earthquake relief, saying that while it appreciated the gesture, it has all the resources it needs. However, earlier today, a team of seven Japanese earthquake rescue experts arrived in Hualien to assist in relief efforts.

Last night, another 5.7 magnitude earthquake struck Hualien, almost 24 hours after the previous quake. Already this month, Taiwan has been hit with more than 100 tremors.