The Republic of China flag survived an attempted suppression by Beijing at an international stamp show in the Belgian city of Antwerp that opened Friday, with over 50 postal administrations and more than 100 stamp dealers from around the world taking part. It is the first time Taiwan has been represented at Antverpia 2010, and it was attending as a special guest. Hanging the ROC flag along with those of the other countries attending the international exhibition reflects the organizer's respect for such a special guest, according to officials of the Taipei representative office in Belgium. The move, however, drew a strong protest from officials at the Chinese Embassy in Belgium to Frank Daniels, the project manager of the event, before the opening ceremony, they said. Daniels rejected the protest and pointed out to the Chinese officials that they were in Belgium and should show some respect, the Taiwanese officials said. Amid warming relations between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait since President Ma Ying-jeou assumed office in May 2008, the protest by the Chinese officials shows a different face of China that is not good for its international reputation. the Taiwan officials said. Antverpia 2010 is an international stamp fair organized by the Royal Belgian Federation of Philatelic Associations to celebrate the 120th anniversary of the founding of the group. It opened April 9 and was scheduled to run until April 12. 