The choir received several ovations at the National Concert Hall

Members of Morriston Orpheus Choir sang two songs in Chinese at their performance in front of a 2,000 plus audience in the capital, Taipei.

The 80-strong party was invited to the Far East by the Taiwanese government.

Choir spokesman Clive Williams said he hoped the trip would lead to further economic and cultural links.

They were really appreciative about the fact that we had made the effort to learn the language Clive Williams

"The visit was an outstanding success," he said.

"We hope it has helped to raise the profile of Wales and cement the relationship between Wales and Taiwan."

During the visit the choir was featured in the national press and on Taiwanese television and radio.

It was the two songs learned in Chinese that won most praise, said Mr Williams.

"They were really appreciative about the fact that we had made the effort to learn the language.

"We did two items (in Chinese) and received standing ovations which was very emotional for the choir and indeed the audience.

"It's like in Wales. People who are Welsh-speaking appreciate people coming into Wales who learn the language."

The choir's invite came courtesy of Dr G J Huang, national policy adviser to the president Chen Shui-bian.

Dr Huang had been a long term admirer of the choir after spending 18 years working at the University of Wales, Swansea.

"We found there were many ties between Wales and Taiwan," added Mr Williams.

"We see ourselves as ambassadors for Wales and hope we have helped to bring our two countries a little closer.

"Throughout our time we were received with warmth and kindness. Our only regret was that our time there was so short.