President Chen Shui-bian yesterday kicked off a 10-day walk in Taiwan County to solicit support for his party’s referendum seeking UN membership under the name “Taiwan.” Chen urged the public to support the referendum and tell the world that the Taiwanese desire representation at the UN. Chen, who spent two hours walking 7km of the 228km event, told the public after the walk that he did not feel tired but thought the activity was meaningful.

“I hope more people will be inspired to join the activity and help the referendum on joining the UN using the name ‘Taiwan’ succeeds,” he said.

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has proposed holding a referendum on joining the UN using the name ‘Taiwan,’ while the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) has suggested another referendum on “rejoining” the world body under the name the Republic of China (ROC), or any other “practical” title that would uphold the nation’s dignity. The two referendums will be held in conjunction with the presidential election next Saturday.

As the DPP referendum proposal garnered more than 2.7 million signatures in the second phase of petition, Chen called on each of those who signed the petition to canvass three more votes to make the referendum a success.

The referendum requires a 50% voter turnout, or approximately 8 million voters, for the results to be declared valid.

Chen urged the public to refrain from harboring any fantasy about China because Beijing’s suppression of Taiwan would persist no matter who was in power.

“Beijing is afraid Taiwan’s democracy and this will deepen,” he said. “The past eight years have taught me a lesson: Our destiny is in our own hands, especially during times of adversity. Democracy is Taiwan’s best defense against China.”

Chen urged the public to say out loud that Taiwan and China are two different countries. His administration has mothballed the National Unification Council and National Unification Guidelines.

“Next, we will carry forward and further develop the values of democracy and use the referendum to tell the world that Taiwan cannot be annexed by China nor is Taiwan one of its local governments,” he said.