A Chinese mainland charity on Tuesday launched a scholarship scheme for Taiwan students studying traditional Chinese medicine in mainland universities.

The Clifford Group donated five million yuan (US$641,000) to China Soong Ching Ling Foundation to set up the Clifford Foundation to offer grants to Taiwan students studying traditional medicine in 11universities, including Beijing University of Chinese Medicine.

Every year, 150 Taiwan undergraduates and graduates will get a scholarship of 5,000 yuan each, according to the foundation.

A few top students who have made a special contribution to the development of traditional medicine can get a scholarship as high as 20,000 yuan, the foundation added.

The China Soong Ching Ling Foundation will also organize social activities to enhance exchanges between students across the Taiwan Strait.

The Clifford Group, with real estate development as its primary business, has made donations of more than 200 million yuan, sources with the group said.

(Xinhua News Agency January 17, 2007)