Taiwan Quick Take: Chen upset over flag grab

President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) yesterday condemned Chinese representatives who were attending an international sports tournament in Thailand for seizing the nation's flag from Taiwan's athletes. "I find it unfathomable that Chinese athletes use such uncivilized, non-peaceful means at a peaceful sports event," Chen said. "That is why the Taiwanese government makes strenuous efforts to uphold the nation's sovereign status and insists on safeguarding Taiwan-centered consciousness." Chen made the remarks while receiving a US delegation attending an international conference on cross-strait identity, regional security and economic development. Chen said a rising China that fails to democratize and develop peacefully is a real concern. He said he hoped that Taiwan's democratic achievements would facilitate China's democratization and improve its human rights record.