Taipei  - Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou, using the phrase "blood is thicker than water," on Monday thanked China for its aid to Taiwan's typhoon victims.

"Eight-five countries have donated cash or relief material. China sent 1,000 units of pre-fabricated houses. As of today, China's donation has surpassed 5 billion Taiwan dollars (151 million US dollars), making it the biggest sum among foreign donations," Ma said at the memorial meeting for the 758 victims of Typhoon Morakot which hit Taiwan on August 8.

"The donation from Chinese authorities and Chinese people shows that blood is thicker than water," he said at the ceremony in Kaohsiung, southern Taiwan, attended by 15,000 people.

Ma's remark is expected to ease China's anger over his approving the Dalai Lama's visit to Taiwan to bless typhoon victims and survivors.

China avoided criticizing Ma as he has been seeking to improve Taipei-Beijing ties since he took office in May 2008, but lodged two protests, accusing the Dalai Lama of plotting to split the motherland and warning that his visit would damage Taipei-Beijing ties.

Many Chinese bloggers posted messages on the internet, accusing Taiwan of snubbing Chinese people's goodwill and siding with the Dalai Lama, who has been living in exile in India since 1959.

During the Dalai Lama's five-day visit last week, China postponed exchange programmes with Taiwan, but resumed them after the Dalai Lama left Taipei Friday. (dpa)