Lee inspires Kaohsiung audience

Saying that public confusion over their identity poses the biggest challenge to the country, former president Lee Teng-hui (李登輝) called on the people to assert Taiwan's sovereignty despite military threats from China.

Lee, now the spiritual leader of the TSU, told a cheering crowd in Kaohsiung County that Taiwan is part of the world, not a renegade province of the communist state across the Strait.

"Caving in to military intimidation from Beijing, many politicians here refuse to recognize Taiwan as an independent country," he said during a speech to mark the opening of a Lee's club in the county, the 13th of its kind nationwide.

The phenomenon, supported by the pro-unification media, has created divisions among society and caused many to lose confidence in the government, Lee said.

"Consequently, stability remains elusive and the economy suffers," Lee said to over 500 supporters. "Against this backdrop, I have no choice but to come out of my retirement. We must identify with Taiwan which has a distinct history, geography and culture from that of China."

He again criticized the opposition parties for constantly finding fault with the government while appearing eager to placate Chinese authorities.

"Apparently, some opposition leaders have yet to recover from their failure in the 2000 presidential elections," Lee said. "I wonder who they think they are. Their behavior has defied the spirit of democracy, a trait that sets Taiwan off from China in the international community."

He said all the Lee's clubs are intended to help put the nation on the right track rather than enhance his personal career.

The former president urged the public to cultivate and embrace Taiwan's own identity, beginning by affirming its political sovereignty.

In addition, Lee said he found it an oversimplification to explain ties among different ethnic groups from the traditional Han perspective in light of the nation's diverse make-up. The Kaohsiung chapter of Lee's club is headed by TSU lawmaker Lin Chih-lung (林志隆), who is aided by 15 board directors and five supervising members.

TSU Chairman Huang Chu-wen (黃主文), who also took part in the event, praised the party's 13 lawmakers for putting up a vigorous performance during the last legislative session.

He asked supporters to award the show of support by sending TSU candidates to Kaohsiung City Council on Dec. 7.