Resolution asserts Taiwan’s separate identity from China

TAIWAN’S ruling Democratic Progressive Party passed a resolution yesterday asserting the island’s separate identity from rival China and calling for a referendum on Taiwan’s sovereignty.

The resolution for a “normal country” calls for general use of Taiwan as the island’s name, without specifically abolishing its current formal name, the Republic of China. It also calls for the enactment of a new constitution, but gives no specific deadline for either that or the referendum.

The resolution, which passed 250-73, could rile China, which has repeatedly threatened war if Taiwan formalises its de facto independence.