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Taiwanese in US rally for Taiwan's sovereignty rights

Members of Taiwanese communities in California gathered for a rally Saturday, taking to the streets to proclaim that the issue of Taiwan's sovereignty should be decided by the citizens of Taiwan.

In the rally, held parallel with anniversary celebrations marking the signing of the peace accord among the US, Japan and 46 other nations on Sept. 8, 1951 that officially ended World War II, members of the California-based Taiwanese groups declared that Taiwan is a sovereign state.

The declaration stated that Taiwan has never been and is not now a part of the People's Republic of China, and supported Taiwan's participation in international affairs and organizations, including the UN.

During the rally, Yao Chia-wen (姚嘉文), former chairman of the DPP and currently a senior adviser to President Chen Shui-bian　(陳水扁), spoke on the importance and significance for Taiwan of Article 2, Chapter II of the San Francisco Peace Treaty. This is the section whereby Japan renounces all "right, title and claims to Formosa and the Pescadores."

Yao said the San Francisco Peace Treaty is an accord of extraordinary importance to the people of Taiwan because it resolved and determined that Taiwan is a sovereign state.

Because of the treaty, Taiwan was officially and legally "released" from Japanese colonial rule and consequently allowed sovereignty as a nation, Yao added.

In the past, Yao said, the Beijing authorities refused to mention or acknowledge this fact, leading a great number of people to be confused about this important historical point.

Yao also said the treaty had not only terminated Japan's rule over Taiwan, but had also ended Taiwan's uncertain status when World War II ended.

In fact, he said, most major countries around the world do not recognize statements that Taiwan and China belong to one nation or that Taiwan belongs to the PRC.

More than 500 people attended the rally in support of Taiwan's sovereignty. Among the guest dignitaries was US Democratic Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi.

In her speech to the gathering, Pelosi said Taiwan is a flourishing democratic country. She urged the international community to recognize Taiwan's contributions to the world and allow the nation to join the activities of international organizations, including the World Health Organization and also the World Trade Organization.
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