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Taiwanese form human chain that spans the length of the island
STEPHAN GRAUWELS
Canadian Press
Saturday, February 28, 2004
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) -
Taiwanese linked hands to form a human chain the length of the island
Saturday as President Chen Shui-bian urged the protesters to oppose
China's military threats and create the "Great Wall of Taiwan's democracy."
The event, which organizers said attracted about 1.2 million people,
was the biggest islandwide demonstration in Taiwan's history.
The protesters hoped it would win the world's sympathy for Taiwan
in its struggle against China.
The people power display was also designed to give Chen a boost
in the tight race ahead of the March 20 presidential election.
Opposition parties refused to join the human chain.
They held rival events, including a blood drive and a torch relay.
Chinese leaders insist self-ruled Taiwan belongs to China,
and they have repeatedly threatened to use force to take over the island,
just 160 kilometres off the mainland's coast.
China's massive military has nearly 500 short-range missiles pointed at Taiwan.
Kicking off Saturday's event in the western county of Miaoli,
Chen told supporters,
"Everyone should hold hands and protect Taiwan's national sovereignty,
democratic development,
economic prosperity and permanent peace in the Taiwan Strait."
As people in the human chain cheered, Chen said,
"I am very happy that together we can write history.
This is the Great Wall of Taiwan's democracy."
Organizers said the human chain stretched 487 kilometres from
the northern port of Keelung down the flat western coast
to Pingtung County near the island's southern tip.
Local TV stations that covered the event from helicopters said
the chain was complete.
In the capital, Taipei,
people linked hands in front of the red brick Presidential Office.
They raised their hands in the air, shouted "Taiwan Yes!"
and released heart-shaped balloons into the air as cars passed by
and honked their horns in support.
"We must show China this is our country.
They have no right to tell us what to do.
Today, the whole world will understand,"
said Ronald Wang, a 42-year-old engineer.
The president also used the protest to remind voters to cast ballots
in Taiwan's first islandwide referendum,
to be held on the same day as the presidential election.
Voters will be asked whether Taiwan should beef up anti-missile defences
if China refuses to withdraw the missiles it has pointed at the island.
The referendum will also ask voters if Taiwan should hold talks with China
to normalize relations.
Beijing has criticized the referendum.
Chinese leaders worry it could set a precedent for a referendum
on the touchy unification issue.
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