Taiwan protest at China 'threat' :: Namibia Internet Gateway cc ::

Articles: Taiwan protest at China 'threat'

Posted by admin on Saturday, March 18, 2006 - 09:26 AM

Tens of thousands of protestors are taking part in a march and rally in Taipei highlighting the threats that Taiwan faces from mainland China.

Caroline Gluck
BBC News, Taipei

President Chen Shui-bian and other senior officials from his governing Democratic Progressive Party were expected to join the event. China has more than 700 missiles targeted at Taiwan. Last year Beijing passed a law allowing the use of force against the island if it formally moves towards independence. Reform call Saturday's event also coincides with the 10th anniversary of China firing a series of missiles close to Taiwan which were seen as an attempt to influence the outcome of the island's first direct presidential elections. Some legislators from the governing party have criticised the event as unnecessary and costly. They argue that the party, which had a disastrous showing in last year's local elections, should try to win back public support by focusing on reform and improving the economy rather than taking to the streets. The same message has come from the opposition parties, who held a large protest last week in which they called on the government to stop stoking tensions with China and concentrate on the economy.

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