Taiwan has accused Washington of snubbing Chen Shui-bian, the island's president, after he was refused anything more than a brief stopover in Alaska en route to and from a visit to South America.

Mr Chen will be permitted to make two short refuelling stops in Anchorage on his trip to Latin America which starts today, Taiwan's Foreign Ministry said. He delay-ed his departure by a day in the hope of receiving better conditions from Washington.