Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Taipei
yesterday to oppose moves toward independence in the island
province.
Throngs of people defied the hot weather holding banners
declaring their opposition to moves to change the island's
"official name'' from the "Republic of China'' to "Taiwan,'' a move
supported by former "president'' Li Tung-hui.
The demonstration, which was joined by around 1,000 taxis and
private cars, was also in response to a protest held by
pro-independence forces at the weekend.
Banners displayed by marchers on the orderly and good natured
anti-independence demonstration, which was joined by many
passers-by, read: "Against Taiwan Independence,'' "I am Taiwanese
and Chinese as well'' and "Direct links for transport, post and
trade between Taiwan and the mainland will lead Taiwan to
prosperity.''
Other marchers sent a very simple but clear message to those
seeking to split Taiwan from its motherland, displaying the word
"Chinese'' on their T-shirts.
Responding to the pro-independence demonstration in Taipei on
Saturday, a spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs' Office in Beijing
dismissed the concept of "Taiwan independence.''
The spokesman said the demonstration is one of the steps taken
by Taiwan pro-independence forces to seek the "gradual independence
of Taiwan.''
The demonstration, a move which intends to separate Taiwan from
China, goes against the majority of Taiwan people's desire for
peace, stability and development, said the spokesman.
"It has seriously damaged cross-Straits relations and gone
against the primary interests of Taiwan people,'' he said.
"We believe that Taiwan compatriots will make a distinction
between right and wrong and oppose pro-independence activities in
any form,'' he added.
There are no forces that can prevent the final reunification of
China, he said.
Xinhua News Agency quoted an angry demonstrator at the
anti-independence demonstration as saying: "The so-called
name-change that Lee Teng-hui called for was to separate Taiwan
from China. But China will never break up.''
Ninety-two-year-old Xu Yue-li told Xinhua that she loves China
and recognizes herself as Chinese.
"China is my mother and I firmly oppose the name change,'' she
said.
A demonstrator surnamed Han, 31, said that it was the first time
he had attended such a protest. "My friends and I do not want to
see the independence of Taiwan because we are Chinese.''
A mother who took her child with her said the name change lobby
was "ridiculous.''
Young demonstrators swore that China is the motherland of Taiwan
people, a right the Taiwan people cannot be deprived of.
(China Daily September 8, 2003)