Human chain protestors span island of Taiwan

Taiwanese linked hands to form a human chain the length of the island today, as President Chen Shui-bian urged the protesters to oppose China’s military threats and create the “Great Wall of Taiwan’s democracy”.

The event – which organisers said attracted about 1.2 million people – was the biggest islandwide demonstration in Taiwan’s history.

The protesters hoped it would win the world’s sympathy for Taiwan in its struggle against China.

The people power display was also designed to give Chen a boost in the tight race ahead of the March 20 presidential election.

Opposition parties refused to join the human chain. They held rival events, including a blood drive and a torch relay.

Chinese leaders insist self-ruled Taiwan belongs to China, and they have repeatedly threatened to use force to take over the island, just 100 miles off the mainland’s coast.

China’s massive military has nearly 500 short-range missiles pointed at Taiwan.

Kicking off today’s event in the western county of Miaoli, Chen told supporters, “Everyone should hold hands and protect Taiwan’s national sovereignty, democratic development, economic prosperity and permanent peace in the Taiwan Strait.”

As people in the human chain cheered, Chen said, “I am very happy that together we can write history. This is the Great Wall of Taiwan’s democracy.”

Organisers said the human chain stretched 303 miles – from the northern port of Keelung down the flat western coast to Pingtung County near the island’s southern tip.

Local TV stations that covered the event from helicopters said the chain was complete.

In the capital, Taipei, people linked hands in front of the red brick Presidential Office. They raised their hands in the air, shouted “Taiwan Yes!” and released heart-shaped balloons into the air as cars passed by and honked their horns in support.

Retired dentist Wayne Wu, 68, said the event was successful. “It was peaceful, short, and clear,” he said. ”This was history, and I wanted to be part of it because I am Taiwanese. I am not Chinese.”

The participants linked hands just before 2.28pm (6.28pm Irish time), and held hands for about three minutes.