Taiwan's premier wants an apology from China over the tainted milk scandal.

Four children died, and nearly 53-thousand other children got sick after drinking Chinese dairy products tainted with the industrial chemical melamine.

During today's session of Taiwan's legislature, the premier said China should pay for making his country's citizens suffer.

"I am here formally to demand an apology to us by the mainland (Chinese) Government. As for asking China to compensate for the damage, more data have to be collected before we start demanding compensation", said Liu Chao-Shiwan, Taiwanese Premier.

The scandal has forced recalls of Chinese dairy products around the world.

Authorities have arrested 40 people, including two brothers, who could face the death penalty if convicted.