Nation displays military capabilities during parade

Shih, however, was made a distinguished guest this year at the invitation of Legislative Speaker Wang Jin-pyng (王金平), the event organizer.

Wang later confirmed he had issued a last-minute invitation to Shih, adding that the president also supported the decision.

Sporting a red shirt, white pants and sunglasses, Shih was accompanied by security guards to the reviewing stand and was seated next to National Security Bureau Director Shi Hwei-yow (許惠祐).

Shih was meters away from the president, but did not stage any demonstration or shout any slogans. He left 10 minutes later, in silence.

After returning to the checkpoint at Jingfumen (景福門), Shih asked whether the DPP still harbored "integrity" and "love for the native land" as its ideals while calling the DPP government a "corrupt regime."

He also said the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) had failed to review its past "abuse of human rights, freedom and democracy" during the terms of dictator Chiang Kai-shek (蔣介石) and former president Chiang Ching-kuo (蔣經國).

"Today was not a day for celebration, but a day for introspection," Shih said.

"On May 20, 2000, I was able to sit at the [celebration] platform for the first time. I looked at Chen, who was raising his hand while taking an oath less than 10m away from me. My heart was full of joy and expectation as I thought my lifetime suffering for Taiwanese democracy had finally paid off," Shih said.

"But seven-and-a-half years later, I was able to sit there for the second time ... I've heard too many complaints from people and seen the helpless look of people who suffered from Typhoon [Krosa]. How can political leaders of both the ruling party and the opposition still hold celebrations and enjoy the authority they have?" Shih said.

Another red-clad woman was refused admission for chanting "corrupt A-bian, step down."

Some people clashed verbally with law enforcement officers at security checkpoints while others were denied access because they did not have passes.

Later yesterday evening, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a National Day reception for foreign dignitaries at Taipei Guest House, featuring folk art made by local young artists as well as traditional and international dishes.

In his welcoming remarks, Foreign Affairs Minister James Huang (黃志芳) thanked all the guests for their support for the nation, saying their friendship was "the most valuable asset" of Taiwan.

An evening gala was held in Yunlin County and an hour-long fireworks show took place at 7pm in Pingtung County.

Additional reporting by Shih Hsiu-chuan