The 15-member Taiwan delegation arrived in Geneva for the World Health Assembly over the weekend, the first time the island has participated in 38 years. This comes just a week after 100,000 Taiwanese protested President Ma Ying-jeou's China friendly policies.

Tens of thousands took to the streets in Taiwan, protesting President Ma Ying-jeou's recent trade initiatives they see as too China-friendly. They held placards that said "Say No to China! Say Yes to Taiwan", and voiced their concerns that recent rounds of trade talks with China will compromise Taiwanese sovereignty.

China's acceptance of Taiwan's participation at a WHO meeting, as well this week's cross-straits trade talks, are the latest in warming relations since Taiwanese leader Ma Ying-jeou took office.

Asian currencies strengthened this week following an announcement that American banks could stand without government buyout, and optimism about new Chinese and Japanese stimulus packages.