Independence activists and Lee show support for Chen

Hundreds of independence advocates turned out last night in front of Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall to support President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) for stating that Taiwan and China are separate countries.

The rally, an extension of a grassroots movement to promote name-ratification for the nation, capped a week-long candle-light vigil following Chen's speech asserting Taiwan's sovereignty. "One country on each side," chanted some 400 people sitting on the ground before the monument. "Our country's name is Taiwan."

The slogans were aimed at echoing the president's Aug. 3 address to a pro-independence crowd in Tokyo via video teleconference that there is "one country on each side" of the Taiwan Strait.

The statement greatly delighted separatists at home who had organized a candle-light vigil within 24 hours at the plaza to celebrate.

"Chen's remark reflects an undeniable existing political reality," said Duncan Wu-Yeh (吳葉燈圳), a member of the Alliance to Campaign for Rectifying the Name of Taiwan. "I don't understand why China refuses to recognize it. And the opposition parties here should have danced to its tune."

Wu-Yeh said the assembly last night didn't mark the end to their crusade, as allies in Kaohsiung kicked off a similar rally at 6pm to keep the flame ablaze.

Calling themselves utterly Taiwanese, the demonstrators said they don't want to have anything to do with China though Beijing threatens to use force against Taiwan, if necessary. "The country needs name-ratification," shouted Peter Wang (王獻極), who helped organize the event. "It should be called the Republic of Taiwan. We are willing to sacrifice our life to pursue this goal."

Though the president has since toned down his rhetoric on cross-strait ties, Wu-Yeh said they believe his commitment to Taiwan independence remains unchanged.

"As head of state, he has to look after a great many issues," he noted. "Likewise, we understand that the DPP, as the ruling party, has no choice but to stay away from our activities."

Still, Wang urged all sympathizers to jointly climb Yushan, Taiwan's highest mountain, from Sept. 20 to Sept. 22 in support of the name-ratifying movement.

In related news, former president Lee Teng-hui (李登輝) said he agreed with his successor in dealing with China.

Lee told supporters in Taichung and Chiayi counties that Chen didn't make a blunder in referring to Taiwan as a sovereign country and in stressing it deserves to be treated as equal to its giant neighbor.

"What would you refer to Taiwan if it is not a country?" the patriarch asked the audiences.

Lee, the spiritual leader of the TSU, said though he is old, he would not cease to fight for Taiwan's prosperity and dignity.

"My days are numbered now that I have lived for almost 80 years," he said. "Despite my old age, I will continue to help guard and promote Taiwan's interests."

He called on the public to have confidence in the government and attributed the earlier plunge in the TAIEX to slanted coverage by pro-unification media on Chen's cross-strait remark.