The China Post
Date: October 11, 2016
By: The China Post news staff
TAIPEI, Taiwan — Taiwan’s pro-independence and mainland-leaning camps used the Presidential
Pro-independence activists, demanding that a referendum be held to decide Taiwan’s future, rally some 100 meters from the square outside the Presidential Office where National Day celebrations were held Monday, Oct. 10. (Photo: Morgan Lin, The China Post)
Office’s National Day event to promote their causes Monday, as President Tsai Ing-wen vowed to maintain the cross-strait status quo and called for reopening talks with China.
Waving large flags and banners reading “Taiwan independence” and “One Taiwan, one China,” dozens of pro-independence activists rallied outside the square where Tsai delivered her first National Day address since taking office in May.
“Let us stage a referendum to decide whether Taiwan should become a new nation,” shouted the activists, who were barred by a heavy police cordon from demonstrating near the square.
“We elected her all because we thought she would stand by us to fight for independence,” said one activist, who declined to give his name.
On the other side of the rally, an equally large crowd of pro-China activists unfurled a large banner calling for the government to stop all activities aimed at splitting Taiwan from the mainland. [FULL STORY]