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[[Image:Anti-China march logo.JPG|300px|thumb|The logo of the protest march]]
The '''October 25, 2008 anti-China protest''' was a [[Taiwan]]ese [[demonstration]] sponsored by the [[Democratic Progressive Party]] (DPP) and [[Taiwan Solidarity Union]] in [[Taipei]], [[Taiwan]].This protest march was launched five months after Ma's inauguration and was preceded by an [[August 30, 2008 protest|earlier protest]] in August which focused on Ma's failing economic plans.


The '''1025 demonstration'''<ref>Usatoday. "[http://content.usatoday.com/topics/article/Organizations/Political+Bodies/Democratic+Progressive+Party/0aJpenF4pYbHn/1 Usatoday.com] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110520033011/http://content.usatoday.com/topics/article/Organizations/Political+Bodies/Democratic+Progressive+Party/0aJpenF4pYbHn/1 |date=2011-05-20 }}." ''1025 demonstration commences in five routes in Taipei, Taiwan.'' Retrieved on 2008-10-28.</ref><ref>Etaiwannews. "[http://www.etaiwannews.com/etn/news_content.php?id=772266 Etaiwannews.com] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629100256/http://www.etaiwannews.com/etn/news_content.php?id=772266 |date=2011-06-29 }}." ''One million joins the 1025 rally to safeguard Taiwan.'' Retrieved on 2008-10-28.</ref>({{zh|t=1025反黑心顧台灣大遊行|l=October 25 Opposing Evil Minds and Looking out for Taiwan March}}) was a [[Demonstration (people)|demonstration]] on 25 October 2008 sponsored by the [[Democratic Progressive Party]] (DPP) and [[Taiwan Solidarity Union]] in [[Taipei]], [[Taiwan]]. This protest march was launched five months after the inauguration of President [[Ma Ying-jeou]] and was preceded by an earlier 30 August 2008 protest in August which focused on Ma's failing economic plans.
The protesters marched against the pro-China policies of the [[Ma Ying-jeou|Ma administration]]. Half a million people were reported to have participated in the march. It was planned by the DPP in response to the [[2008 Chinese milk scandal|Chinese tainted milk powder scandal]] and the government's growing ties with China.

The protesters marched against the perceived pro-[[China]] policies of the [[Ma Ying-jeou|Ma administration]]. An estimated half a million people were reported to have participated in the march.<ref>Newsdaily. "[http://www.newsdaily.com/stories/tre49o0vl-us-taiwan-china/ Newsdaily.com]{{Dead link|date=May 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}." ''Half a million march in Taiwan against China, president.'' Retrieved on 2008-10-26.</ref><ref name="t1">Taiwannews. "[http://www.taiwannews.com.tw/etn/news_content.php?id=773057 Taiwannews] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110520104751/http://www.taiwannews.com.tw/etn/news_content.php?id=773057 |date=2011-05-20 }}." ''Ma must come clean on Taiwan Strait talks.'' Retrieved on 2008-10-26.</ref> It was planned by the DPP in response to the [[2008 Chinese milk scandal|Chinese tainted milk powder scandal]] and Taiwan's perceived growing ties with the [[People's Republic of China]] (PRC).


== Background ==
== Background ==
=== Chinese oppressions ===
Self-ruled Taiwan has been claimed by the [[People's Republic of China]] (PRC) as its own since the end of the [[Chinese Civil War]] in 1949. The PRC has threatened to use force, if necessary, to bring the island under its rule.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/world/5102967/half-a-million-march-in-taiwan-against-china/|title=Half a million march in Taiwan against China|publisher=[[Reuters]]|date=10-25-2008|accessdate=10-25-2008}}</ref>


=== Cross-strait relations ===
⚫
[[Zhang Mingqing]], the deputy chairman of the [[Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait]], arrived in Taiwan about a week before the protest. When asked by reporters to comment on President Ma's remarks that there will be no war across the [[Taiwan Strait]] in the next four years, Zhang expressed that there will never be war in the Strait if there is no [[Taiwan independence]].<ref name="Tainan incident">{{cite press release|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2008/10/22/2003426598|title=ARATS man jostled, jeered at in Tainan|publisher=[[Taipei Times]]|date=10-22-2008|accessdate=10-25-2008}}</ref>
{{see also|Cross-strait relations|Political status of Taiwan}}
The [[People's Republic of China]] claims that self-ruled Taiwan is its [[Taiwan Province, People's Republic of China|23rd province]].{{Citation needed|date=March 2009}} The PRC has threatened the [[Anti-Secession Law|use of force]] if Taiwan declares ''de jure'' independence from China.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idINIndia-36149620081025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081026204804/http://in.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idINIndia-36149620081025|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 26, 2008|title=Thousands in Taiwan march against China, president|publisher=[[Reuters]]|date=2008-10-25|accessdate=2009-05-18}}</ref>


⚫
[[Zhang Mingqing]], the deputy chairman of the [[Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait]], arrived in Taiwan about a week before the protest. When asked by reporters to comment on President Ma's remarks that there will be no war across the [[Taiwan Strait]] in the next four years, Zhang expressed that there will never be war in the Strait if there is no [[Taiwan independence]].<ref name="Tainan incident">{{cite press release|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2008/10/22/2003426598|title=ARATS man jostled, jeered at in Tainan|publisher=[[Taipei Times]]|date=2008-10-22|accessdate=2008-10-25}}</ref>
⚫
During a private visit to the [[Taiwan Confucian Temple]] in [[Tainan]], Zhang fell to the ground as he encounters a small number of protestors led by DPP legislator [[Wang Ting-yu]]. It was not clear whether he tripped or was pushed down. The car that Zhang was in was attacked and damaged by a protester. Later, Zhang remarked, "Those who commit violence do not get what they want, but instead drop a rock on their own feet."<ref name="Tainan incident"/>


⚫
During a private visit to the [[Taiwan Confucian Temple]] in [[Tainan]], Zhang fell to the ground as he encounters a small number of protesters led by the [[Democratic Progressive Party|DPP]]'s Tainan City legislator [[Wang Ting-yu]]. It was not clear whether he tripped or was pushed down, but Zhang was hurt. The car that Zhang was in was attacked and damaged when a protester jumped on the top of the car. Later, Zhang remarked, "Those who commit violence do not get what they want, but instead drop a rock on their own feet." as well as "A handful of compatriots in Tainan were involved in the violence (against me). They do not reflect the true feelings of the vast majority of compatriots in Tainan, nor the 23 million people of Taiwan."<ref name="Tainan incident"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/china-taiwan-relations/2008/10/23/179921/Zhang-cuts.htm|publisher=China Post|date = 23 October 2008| title = Zhang cuts short visit after attack}}</ref>
The quoted comment was seen as an ironic comment by pro-independence Taiwanese as Zhang had just posed a military threat prior to the incident. Kaohsiung mayor [[Chen Chu]] demanded President Ma to condemn China's use of violence on Taiwan. She said that the export of toxic food and the thousands of missiles aimed at Taiwan are also forms of violence.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.epochtimes.com/b5/8/10/22/n2305104.htm|publisher=[[Epoch Times]]|language=[[traditional Chinese]]|title=陳菊籲馬英九應譴責中國大陸對台灣的暴力|date=10-22-2008|accessdate=10-25-2008}}</ref>


=== Toxic products ===
=== Tainted products ===
[[Food safety in the People's Republic of China]] has become a major issue in Taiwan. The Ma administration's close ties with China has worried the pro-localization population. The milk powder scandal became not only a public health issue, but a political one as well. The government's ability to resolve the issue was questioned by the media. The Department of Health was heavily criticized by the [[Consumers' Foundation]] and investigated by the [[Control Yuan]].<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://1-apple.com.tw/index.cfm?Fuseaction=Article&Sec_ID=2&ShowDate=20080915&IssueID=20080915&art_id=30957204&NewsType=1&SubSec=6|title=官員處置慢半拍 監院調查|language=[[traditional Chinese]]|publisher=[[Apple Daily]]|accessdate=2008-10-26|date=2008-09-15}}</ref>
[[Food safety in China|The safety of Chinese food products]] has become a major issue in Taiwan. The Ma administration's policy of normalising cross-strait relations has been perceived by the pro-independence supporters as forming closer ties with the PRC. The [[2008 Chinese milk scandal|milk scandal]] became not only a public health issue, but a political one as well. The government's ability to address the issue was questioned by the general public and the media. The Department of Health was heavily criticized by the [[Consumers' Foundation]] and investigated by the [[Control Yuan]].<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://1-apple.com.tw/index.cfm?Fuseaction=Article&Sec_ID=2&ShowDate=20080915&IssueID=20080915&art_id=30957204&NewsType=1&SubSec=6|script-title=zh:官員處置慢半拍 監院調查|language=Chinese|publisher=[[Apple Daily]]|accessdate=2008-10-26|date=2008-09-15|archive-url=https://archive.today/20080922160800/http://1-apple.com.tw/index.cfm?Fuseaction=Article&Sec_ID=2&ShowDate=20080915&IssueID=20080915&art_id=30957204&NewsType=1&SubSec=6|archive-date=2008-09-22|url-status=dead}}</ref>


Other than condemning China, DPP declared that President Ma should request compensation from China. DPP chairwoman [[Tsai Ing-wen]] also criticized the government's weak policies toward China.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.rti.org.tw/News/NewsContentHome.aspx?NewsID=126233&t=1|title=中國奶粉事件　蔡英文：馬政府處理軟弱|language=[[traditional Chinese]]|publisher=[[Radio Taiwan International]]|date=2008-09-17|accessdate=2008-10-26}}</ref> Some [[Kuomintang]] legislators, on the other hand, criticized the PRC government for notifying Taiwan after being reported by [[Media in Taiwan|Taiwanese media]].
Other than condemning the PRC, DPP demanded that President Ma should request compensation from the PRC. DPP chairwoman [[Tsai Ing-wen]] also criticized the government for being "weak" toward the PRC.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.rti.org.tw/News/NewsContentHome.aspx?NewsID=126233&t=1|script-title=zh:中國奶粉事件 蔡英文：馬政府處理軟弱|language=Chinese|publisher=[[Radio Taiwan International]]|date=2008-09-17|accessdate=2008-10-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720200317/http://www.rti.org.tw/News/NewsContentHome.aspx?NewsID=126233&t=1|archive-date=2011-07-20|url-status=dead}}</ref> Some [[Kuomintang]] legislators, on the other hand, criticized the PRC government for notifying Taiwan late after the news had already been reported by [[Media in Taiwan|Taiwanese media]].

=== Economic problems ===


== Organization ==
== Organization ==

⚫
[[Image:Anti-China march routes.PNG|360px|thumb|The five parade routes]]
=== Parade routes ===
=== Parade routes ===
<!--[[Image:Anti-China march routes.PNG|360px|thumb|The five parade routes {{puic|1=Anti-China march routes.PNG|log=2009 June 23}}]]-->
* "Oppose Toxic Goods" (approx. 3.9 km)
* "Oppose One China Education" (approx. 3.4 km)
* "Oppose Toxic Goods" (approx. 3.9&nbsp;km)
* "Oppose the Hollowing Out of Sovereignty" (approx. 3.8 km)
* "Oppose One China Education" (approx. 3.4&nbsp;km)
* "Oppose a One China Market" (approx. 4.2 km)
* "Oppose the Hollowing Out of Sovereignty" (approx. 3.8&nbsp;km)
* "Oppose the Incompetent Government" (approx. 4.8 km)
* "Oppose a One China Market" (approx. 4.2&nbsp;km)
* "Oppose the Incompetent Government" (approx. 4.8&nbsp;km)<ref>{{in lang|zh}}[http://www.ly.gov.tw/ly/01_introduce/0103_leg/leg_main/leg_news/leg_news_picview.jsp?ItemNO=01030700&stage=7&lgno=00106&file_id=11181&tablename=cw_LY1000_NEWS Legislator Hsueh Ling Newsroom]</ref>


The planned starting point of the first route "Oppose Toxic Goods" was the Dinghao Plaza. The plaza was already full of protesters before the scheduled time. Some of the politicians who took this route were former President Chen Shui-bian, former president of the [[World United Formosans for Independence]] [[Peng Ming-min]] and current president [[Ng Chiau-tung]], and former foreign minister [[Chen Tang-shan]].<ref name="5 routes">{{cite press release|url=http://www.libertytimes.com.tw/2008/new/oct/26/today-fo4.htm|title=五路民怨沸 嗆馬聲破表|publisher=[[Liberty Times]]|language=[[traditional Chinese]]|date=2008-10-26|accessdate=2008-10-26}}</ref>
The planned starting point of the first route "Oppose Toxic Goods" was the Dinghao Plaza. Some of the politicians who took this route were former President Chen Shui-bian, former president of the [[World United Formosans for Independence]] [[Peng Ming-min]] and current president [[Ng Chiau-tong]], and former foreign minister [[Chen Tang-shan]].<ref name="5 routes">{{cite press release|url=http://www.libertytimes.com.tw/2008/new/oct/26/today-fo4.htm|script-title=zh:五路民怨沸 嗆馬聲破表|publisher=[[Liberty Times]]|language=Chinese|date=2008-10-26|accessdate=2008-10-26}}</ref>


The participants of the "Oppose One China Education" route started out in front of the main gate of the [[National Taiwan University]]. Protesters are mostly students who resisted the government's policy to recognize Chinese diploma. Leaders of this group include DPP chairwoman [[Tsai Ing-wen]], former Kaohsiung mayor [[Yeh Chu-lan]], current mayor [[Chen Chu]], and Kaohsiung County magistrate [[Yang Chiu-hsing]].<ref name="5 routes"/>
The participants of the "Oppose One China Education" route started out in front of the main gate of the [[National Taiwan University]]. Protesters are mostly students who resisted the government's policy to recognize mainland Chinese academic qualifications. Leaders of this group include DPP chairwoman [[Tsai Ing-wen]], former Kaohsiung mayor [[Yeh Chu-lan]], current mayor [[Chen Chu]], and Kaohsiung County magistrate [[Yang Chiu-hsing]].<ref name="5 routes"/><ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.libertytimes.com.tw/2008/new/oct/26/today-fo4-2.htm|script-title=zh:憂下一代未來 爸媽帶小孩上街頭|language=Chinese|publisher=[[Liberty Times]]|date=2008-10-26|accessdate=2008-10-26}}</ref>


The third route was organized by the TSU. Protesters marched from the [[Longshan Temple]]. The TSU convened about 20,000 people including members of [[Victims of Investment in China Association]]. The participants called against Ma's policy to weaken the sovereignty of Taiwan.<ref name="5 routes"/>
The third route was organized by the TSU. Protesters marched from the [[Lungshan Temple (Taipei)|Lungshan Temple]]. The TSU convened about 20,000 people including members of [[Victims of Investment in China Association]]. The participants protested against Ma's perceived policy of "damaging Taiwan's sovereignty".<ref name="5 routes"/>


The fourth route was led by former premier [[Yu Shyi-kun]], who was accompanied by Yunlin County magistrate [[Su Chih-fen]], deputy magistrate [[Lee Ying-yuan]], Tainan County magistrate [[Su Huan-chih]], and Tainan mayor [[Hsu Tain-tsair]]. Protesters held a banner with slogan "Love [[Yunlin County|Yunlin]], Rebut [[Chen Yunlin]]!" The last route "Oppose the Incompetent Government" was led by former DPP chairman [[Su Tseng-chang]]. Protesters [[T-shirt]]s with slogans such as "Defend Taiwan" and "I am Taiwanese, not Chinese."<ref name="5 routes"/>
The fourth route was led by former premier [[Yu Shyi-kun]], who was accompanied by Yunlin County magistrate [[Su Chih-fen]], deputy magistrate [[Lee Ying-yuan]], Tainan County magistrate [[Su Huan-chih]], and Tainan mayor [[Hsu Tain-tsair]]. Protesters held a banner with slogan "Love [[Yunlin County|Yunlin]], Rebut [[Chen Yunlin]]!" The last route "Oppose the Incompetent Government" was led by former DPP chairman [[Su Tseng-chang]]. Protesters [[T-shirt]]s with slogans such as "Defend Taiwan" and "I am Taiwanese, not Chinese."<ref name="5 routes"/>


=== Participants ===
== Demonstration ==
[[Image:1025demonstration 1.jpg|thumb|left|Protesters holding signs with slogan "Oppose Chinese toxic food"]]
Because the protest march was launched primarily by the Democratic Progressive Party, participants were predominantly [[Pan-green coalition|pan-green]]. Former DPP chairmen [[Yao Chia-wen]], [[Su Tseng-chang]], and [[Yu Shyi-kun]] all participated in the march. Despite recent controversies, former President [[Chen Shui-bian]] also marched and took the "Oppose Toxic Goods" route. The DPP organizers announced that there were over 600,000 protesters.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.libertytimes.com.tw/2008/new/oct/26/today-t1.htm|title=60萬人怒吼 嗆馬無能|publisher=[[Liberty Times]]|language=[[traditional Chinese]]|date=2008-10-26|accessdate=2008-10-26}}</ref>
Because the protest march was launched primarily by the Democratic Progressive Party, participants were predominantly [[Pan-green coalition|pan-green]]. Former DPP chairmen [[Yao Chia-wen]], [[Su Tseng-chang]], and [[Yu Shyi-kun]] all participated in the march.<ref name="Oct 26">{{cite press release|url=http://www.libertytimes.com.tw/2008/new/oct/26/today-t1.htm|script-title=zh:60萬人怒吼 嗆馬無能|publisher=[[Liberty Times]]|language=Chinese|date=2008-10-26|accessdate=2008-10-26}}</ref>


Despite recent corruption controversies, former President [[Chen Shui-bian]] also marched and took the "Oppose Toxic Goods" route, although he did not finish the route. This was Chen's last appearance at a public political event before his arrest on November 11. The DPP organizers announced that there were over 600,000 protesters.<ref name="Oct 26"/>
== Media coverage ==

According to the pro-[[Taiwan independence|independence]] Taiwan East Society ({{zh|t=台灣東社}}), there were some [[Pan-blue coalition|pan-blue]] or Kuomintang supporters who signed up for the event. The chairman of the organization said that President Ma's pro-China policies had irritated many [[Taitung County|Taitung]] residents.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.libertytimes.com.tw/2008/new/oct/24/today-south12.htm|script-title=zh:1025嗆馬 挺藍營的也參加|language=Chinese|date=2008-10-24|accessdate=2008-10-27|publisher=[[Liberty Times]]}}</ref>

=== Controversial officer ===
When protesters asked a police officer whether her boss is President Ma or not, the officer, surnamed Chou, responded that she worked for the [[People's Republic of China]] (PRC). The response irritated [[Pan-green coalition|pan-green]] supporters, and an apology was immediately demanded. Chou apologized and left the scene.<ref name="PRC Officer">{{cite press release|publisher=[[Taipei Times]]|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2008/10/26/2003426943|title=OPPOSITION RALLY: I work for the PRC, police officer tells rally protesters|date=2008-10-26|accessdate=2008-11-07}}</ref>

The director of the [[National Police Agency (Taiwan)|National Police Agency]] [[Wang Cho-chiun]] later publicly apologized for the conduct of the officer, saying she has "damaged the police's public image." Wang also said that the officer will be punished for sure.<ref name="PRC Officer"/>

== Responses ==
President Ma Ying-jeou said he would listen to the voice of the people and respond to their criticism, but maintained that the main direction of his government policies remained the correct one.<ref>{{cite press release|publisher=[[Taipei Times]]|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2008/10/27/2003427081|title=Ma vows to listen to 'voice of the people'|accessdate=2008-10-26}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[517 Protest]]


== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist|2}}
{{Reflist}}


{{commons category}}
⚫
[[Category:Protests in Taiwan]]
⚫
[[Category:2008 in Taiwan]]


⚫
[[Category:2008 in Taiwan]]
[[zh:1025反黑心顧台灣大遊行]]
⚫
[[Category:Protests in Taiwan]]

Latest revision as of 17:08, 12 September 2024

The logo of the protest march

The 1025 demonstration[1][2](Chinese: 1025反黑心顧台灣大遊行; lit. 'October 25 Opposing Evil Minds and Looking out for Taiwan March') was a demonstration on 25 October 2008 sponsored by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and Taiwan Solidarity Union in Taipei, Taiwan. This protest march was launched five months after the inauguration of President Ma Ying-jeou and was preceded by an earlier 30 August 2008 protest in August which focused on Ma's failing economic plans.

The protesters marched against the perceived pro-China policies of the Ma administration. An estimated half a million people were reported to have participated in the march.[3][4] It was planned by the DPP in response to the Chinese tainted milk powder scandal and Taiwan's perceived growing ties with the People's Republic of China (PRC).

Background

[edit]

Cross-strait relations

[edit]
See also: Cross-strait relations and Political status of Taiwan

The People's Republic of China claims that self-ruled Taiwan is its 23rd province.[citation needed] The PRC has threatened the use of force if Taiwan declares de jure independence from China.[5]

Zhang Mingqing, the deputy chairman of the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait, arrived in Taiwan about a week before the protest. When asked by reporters to comment on President Ma's remarks that there will be no war across the Taiwan Strait in the next four years, Zhang expressed that there will never be war in the Strait if there is no Taiwan independence.[6]

During a private visit to the Taiwan Confucian Temple in Tainan, Zhang fell to the ground as he encounters a small number of protesters led by the DPP's Tainan City legislator Wang Ting-yu. It was not clear whether he tripped or was pushed down, but Zhang was hurt. The car that Zhang was in was attacked and damaged when a protester jumped on the top of the car. Later, Zhang remarked, "Those who commit violence do not get what they want, but instead drop a rock on their own feet." as well as "A handful of compatriots in Tainan were involved in the violence (against me). They do not reflect the true feelings of the vast majority of compatriots in Tainan, nor the 23 million people of Taiwan."[6][7]

Tainted products

[edit]

The safety of Chinese food products has become a major issue in Taiwan. The Ma administration's policy of normalising cross-strait relations has been perceived by the pro-independence supporters as forming closer ties with the PRC. The milk scandal became not only a public health issue, but a political one as well. The government's ability to address the issue was questioned by the general public and the media. The Department of Health was heavily criticized by the Consumers' Foundation and investigated by the Control Yuan.[8]

Other than condemning the PRC, DPP demanded that President Ma should request compensation from the PRC. DPP chairwoman Tsai Ing-wen also criticized the government for being "weak" toward the PRC.[9] Some Kuomintang legislators, on the other hand, criticized the PRC government for notifying Taiwan late after the news had already been reported by Taiwanese media.

Organization

[edit]

Parade routes

[edit]
  • "Oppose Toxic Goods" (approx. 3.9 km)
  • "Oppose One China Education" (approx. 3.4 km)
  • "Oppose the Hollowing Out of Sovereignty" (approx. 3.8 km)
  • "Oppose a One China Market" (approx. 4.2 km)
  • "Oppose the Incompetent Government" (approx. 4.8 km)[10]

The planned starting point of the first route "Oppose Toxic Goods" was the Dinghao Plaza. Some of the politicians who took this route were former President Chen Shui-bian, former president of the World United Formosans for Independence Peng Ming-min and current president Ng Chiau-tong, and former foreign minister Chen Tang-shan.[11]

The participants of the "Oppose One China Education" route started out in front of the main gate of the National Taiwan University. Protesters are mostly students who resisted the government's policy to recognize mainland Chinese academic qualifications. Leaders of this group include DPP chairwoman Tsai Ing-wen, former Kaohsiung mayor Yeh Chu-lan, current mayor Chen Chu, and Kaohsiung County magistrate Yang Chiu-hsing.[11][12]

The third route was organized by the TSU. Protesters marched from the Lungshan Temple. The TSU convened about 20,000 people including members of Victims of Investment in China Association. The participants protested against Ma's perceived policy of "damaging Taiwan's sovereignty".[11]

The fourth route was led by former premier Yu Shyi-kun, who was accompanied by Yunlin County magistrate Su Chih-fen, deputy magistrate Lee Ying-yuan, Tainan County magistrate Su Huan-chih, and Tainan mayor Hsu Tain-tsair. Protesters held a banner with slogan "Love Yunlin, Rebut Chen Yunlin!" The last route "Oppose the Incompetent Government" was led by former DPP chairman Su Tseng-chang. Protesters T-shirts with slogans such as "Defend Taiwan" and "I am Taiwanese, not Chinese."[11]

Demonstration

[edit]
Protesters holding signs with slogan "Oppose Chinese toxic food"

Because the protest march was launched primarily by the Democratic Progressive Party, participants were predominantly pan-green. Former DPP chairmen Yao Chia-wen, Su Tseng-chang, and Yu Shyi-kun all participated in the march.[13]

Despite recent corruption controversies, former President Chen Shui-bian also marched and took the "Oppose Toxic Goods" route, although he did not finish the route. This was Chen's last appearance at a public political event before his arrest on November 11. The DPP organizers announced that there were over 600,000 protesters.[13]

According to the pro-independence Taiwan East Society (Chinese: 台灣東社), there were some pan-blue or Kuomintang supporters who signed up for the event. The chairman of the organization said that President Ma's pro-China policies had irritated many Taitung residents.[14]

Controversial officer

[edit]

When protesters asked a police officer whether her boss is President Ma or not, the officer, surnamed Chou, responded that she worked for the People's Republic of China (PRC). The response irritated pan-green supporters, and an apology was immediately demanded. Chou apologized and left the scene.[15]

The director of the National Police Agency Wang Cho-chiun later publicly apologized for the conduct of the officer, saying she has "damaged the police's public image." Wang also said that the officer will be punished for sure.[15]

Responses

[edit]

President Ma Ying-jeou said he would listen to the voice of the people and respond to their criticism, but maintained that the main direction of his government policies remained the correct one.[16]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Usatoday. "Usatoday.com Archived 2011-05-20 at the Wayback Machine." 1025 demonstration commences in five routes in Taipei, Taiwan. Retrieved on 2008-10-28.
  2. ^ Etaiwannews. "Etaiwannews.com Archived 2011-06-29 at the Wayback Machine." One million joins the 1025 rally to safeguard Taiwan. Retrieved on 2008-10-28.
  3. ^ Newsdaily. "Newsdaily.com[permanent dead link‍]." Half a million march in Taiwan against China, president. Retrieved on 2008-10-26.
  4. ^ Taiwannews. "Taiwannews Archived 2011-05-20 at the Wayback Machine." Ma must come clean on Taiwan Strait talks. Retrieved on 2008-10-26.
  5. ^ "Thousands in Taiwan march against China, president" (Press release). Reuters. 2008-10-25. Archived from the original on October 26, 2008. Retrieved 2009-05-18.
  6. ^ a b "ARATS man jostled, jeered at in Tainan" (Press release). Taipei Times. 2008-10-22. Retrieved 2008-10-25.
  7. ^ "Zhang cuts short visit after attack". China Post. 23 October 2008.
  8. ^ 官員處置慢半拍 監院調查 (Press release) (in Chinese). Apple Daily. 2008-09-15. Archived from the original on 2008-09-22. Retrieved 2008-10-26.
  9. ^ 中國奶粉事件 蔡英文：馬政府處理軟弱 (Press release) (in Chinese). Radio Taiwan International. 2008-09-17. Archived from the original on 2011-07-20. Retrieved 2008-10-26.
  10. ^ (in Chinese)Legislator Hsueh Ling Newsroom
  11. ^ a b c d 五路民怨沸 嗆馬聲破表 (Press release) (in Chinese). Liberty Times. 2008-10-26. Retrieved 2008-10-26.
  12. ^ 憂下一代未來 爸媽帶小孩上街頭 (Press release) (in Chinese). Liberty Times. 2008-10-26. Retrieved 2008-10-26.
  13. ^ a b 60萬人怒吼 嗆馬無能 (Press release) (in Chinese). Liberty Times. 2008-10-26. Retrieved 2008-10-26.
  14. ^ 1025嗆馬 挺藍營的也參加 (Press release) (in Chinese). Liberty Times. 2008-10-24. Retrieved 2008-10-27.
  15. ^ a b "OPPOSITION RALLY: I work for the PRC, police officer tells rally protesters" (Press release). Taipei Times. 2008-10-26. Retrieved 2008-11-07.
  16. ^ "Ma vows to listen to 'voice of the people'" (Press release). Taipei Times. Retrieved 2008-10-26.
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