Pro-independence leaders yesterday promised the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) their full support for the massive march the party is planning for March 26 to voice opposition against China's "anti-secession" law, but they don't think it would be a good idea for President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) to join the demonstration.
DPP Chairman Su Tseng-chang (蘇貞昌) met with World United Formosans for Independence (WUFI) chairman Ng Chiau-tong (黃昭堂) yesterday afternoon at the WUFI office to seek the support of pro-independence groups for the demonstration. The DPP hopes to mobilize more than 1 million people for the protest.
"Our enemy is already at the gate and people should understand the proverb that `no eggs stay unbroken when a nest is overturned,'" Su said. "People should take to the street on March 26 to vent their disapproval and frustration with China's law -- no matter what party they belong to -- and the DPP welcomes each of them."
PHOTO: SEAN CHAO, TAIPEI TIMES
Su said that although Taiwan has been showing goodwill to China and hopes Beijing will not destroy cross-strait peace, China is still trying to deal with Taiwan through "non-peaceful" measures, which repulse the people of Taiwan.
"To oppose one law, there were 500,000 people of Hong Kong on the streets last July. The Taiwanese people should be more united and come out to protest the legislation that includes 11 articles that empower an invasion of Taiwan," Su said.
"It is not just politicians who have to protest China's anti-secession legislation. It's an issue for every person who lives here," he said. "We hope to reproduce the success of last year's 228 Hand-in-Hand rally and that people will demonstrate their love for this land again."
Ng promised Su that all the pro-independence groups, including WUFI and the Taiwan Hand-in-Hand Alliance, will go all-out to back the demonstration.
Ng, however, suggested that Chen to stay in the Presidential Office on March 26, because it might hurt the president's prestige.
"I don't think it is necessary for Chen to take part in the march," Ng said. "I think the power of the people of Taiwan is enough to warn China."
Chet Yang (楊文嘉), secretary-general of the Northern Taiwan Society agreed with Ng, saying that, as president, Chen could do more on the diplomatical level.
Su however, said that Chen will lead the march.
He also said he had invited Taipei City Mayor Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九), Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairman Lien Chan (連戰) and People First Party Chairman James Soong (
Su plans to visit former president Lee Teng-hui (李登輝) and Legislative Speaker Wang Jin-pyng (
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