Taiwan's outgoing President Chen Shui-bian on Monday marched to drum up support for a controversial referendum on joining the United Nations which China has warned could threaten regional peace and stability.
Hundreds of supporters of the pro-independence ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) joined the march in Shanhua town in southern Tainan county which is a strong DPP base, according to a presidential press release.
"This march means a lot ... as this marks the first step forward towards the goal of joining the UN. I believe the March 22 referendum will go smoothly," Chen said at the end of the seven-kilometre (four-mile) march. Chen called on his compatriots to support his initiative "especially when the whole world is keeping a close eye on the event. Taiwan must not back down because of China's military threat."
"My dear fellow countrymen, we should use our feet to walk for Taiwan's future," he said. The referendum on whether the island should seek UN membership under the name "Taiwan" will be held alongside the March 22 presidential poll. A less sensitive referendum proposed by the main opposition Kuomintang will also be held on whether the island should try to join the world body under the title "the Republic of China," or "Taiwan" or another suitable name.
The KMT says its proposal is not provocative as it does not signal a move towards formal independence from China. Beijing has strongly opposed the DPP's referendum, saying it is using it to push for "Taiwan independence" and warning the move could threaten peace in the Asia Pacific, according to Chinese state media. Taiwan and China split at the end of a civil war in 1949 but Beijing still regards the island as part of its territory to be reunited, by force if necessary.