2004 Presidential Election

Taiwan Issues Shooting Report, But Mystery Remains
(Reuters, Nov. 6, 2004) Taiwan released the full report by a top U.S. forensic expert on the election-eve shooting of President Chen Shui-bian but it offered few clues on who was responsible for the mysterious attack.

Lien to Appeal High Court Ruling
(China Post, Nov. 5, 2004) Lien Chan, chairman of the Kuomintang, said he would appeal the Taiwan High Court ruling against his request to nullify the presidential election on March 20.

Taiwan Poll Challenge Rejected
(BBC, Nov. 4, 2004) Taiwan's High Court has rejected an opposition challenge that President Chen Shui-bian won March's presidential election unfairly.

No Troops Stopped from Voting, Say Officials
(Taiwan News, Sep. 10, 2004) An investigation revealed that no military servicemen were recalled or were stopped from taking leave due to the election-eve shooting of President Chen Shui-bian, General Political Warfare Bureau Director Chen Pang-chih testified.

Chen Forms Body to Probe 3-19 Shooting
(Taiwan News, July 7, 2004) President Chen Shui-bian announced yesterday his decision to ask Control Yuan President Frederick Chien to form a special commission to investigate the March 19 shootings.

Ballistics Report on Election-eve Shooting Unveiled
(Taiwan News, June 25, 2004) The first ballistics report on the election-eve shooting of President Chen Shui-bian and running mate Vice President Annette Lu basically matched with evidence gathered from the crime scene.

Taiwan President Pledges to Hold off Formal Independence
(Washington Post, May 20, 2004) His declared willingness to postpone such steps, while short of renouncing independence for good, held out the promise of several more crisis-free years in the Taiwan Strait.

Recount of Taiwan's Presidential Vote Reveals Problems
(AP, May 13, 2004) Taiwan's opposition said Tuesday that a recount of the disputed March presidential election has revealed some new problems. But the ruling Democratic Progressive Party insisted that the errors were the result of careless election workers, not voting fraud.

Taiwan Starts Recount of Disputed Presidential Poll
(Reuters, May 10, 2004) More than 400 judges and 1,600 lawyers joined Central Election Commission officials at 21 district courts around the island to open the sealed ballot boxes and monitor the recount.

Taiwan's Parties Finalise Plans for Election Recount
(Financial Times, Apr. 13, 2004) Lawyers for Taiwan's ruling and opposition parties agreed yesterday on details for a recount of last month's disputed presidential election.

Shooting of Taiwan's Chen 'Not Self-Inflicted': US Forensic Expert (AFP, Apr. 11, 2004) US forensic expert Henry Lee ruled out one of the more outlandish theories in the election-eve shooting of President Chen Shui-bian when he said it was not self-inflicted.

US Forensic Expert Arrives in Taiwan to Investigate Chen's Shooting (AFP, Apr. 9, 2004) US forensic scientist Henry Lee has arrived here to help Taiwanese authorities investigate the pre-election shooting of President Chen Shiu-bian.

KMT, PFP Seek Referendum on Probe into Shooting Case
(Taiwan News, Apr. 9, 2004) After Chen rejected a proposal to set up an investigative commission under a special law, the Kuomintang and allied People First Party said they would take their case to the public and settle the dispute through a referendum.

Students' Protest Puts Chen in a Fix
(Straits Times, Apr. 7, 2004) Hunger strike by group of undergrads arouses public sympathy just as interest in the election controversy is dwindling.

Taiwan Protestors Keep Pressure On
(CNN.com, Apr. 4, 2004) Tens of thousands of Taiwan opposition supporters gathered to demand an independent inquiry into an election-eve assassination attempt on President Chen that they say swung the poll.

Opposition to Petition Court to Annul Election, Hold New Vote
(AP, Apr. 1, 2004) Taiwan's opposition is demanding a fresh presidential election even as the High Court prepares to hear its lawsuit contesting President Chen Shui-bian's narrow victory.

Taiwan President Says Island Is Independent, Vows New Referendum (AFP, Mar. 30, 2004) President Chen Shui-bian has reiterated his belief that Taiwan is independent from China and said he plans to press ahead with a referendum on constitutional reform.

Taiwan Courts Mull Opposition's Request
(AP, Mar. 30, 2004) Taiwan's High Court y began considering the opposition's request to nullify President Chen Shui-bian's narrow re-election.

Half - Million Taiwanese Protest Election
(AP, Mar. 27, 2004) A half million Taiwanese swarmed into island's capital on Saturday to protest the disputed presidential election, while rival China hinted it wouldn't let the turmoil drag on indefinitely.

Mainland Issues Warning to Taiwan after Violent Protest Breaks Out (People’s Daily, Mar. 27, 2004) The mainland side will not look on indifferently if the current situation in Taiwan worsens and spirals out of control, a spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council.

Taiwan Moves Towards Vote Recount
(CNN.com, Mar. 26, 2004) Lawmakers in Taiwan have gathered to thrash out legislation that could call for a speedy recount of the disputed election vote.

Taiwan Election Winners Urge US to Recognise Result
(AFP, Mar. 25, 2004) Taiwan's leadership has called on the United States to swiftly recognise its victory in the island's disputed election as a deadlock with the opposition persisted.

Taiwan Opposition Hardens Its Stand over Vote Recount
(Straits Times, Mar. 25, 2004) Opposition alliance rejected President Chen's proposal to revise the election law to allow a vote recount. The alliance also turned down the President's offer that he would meet its leaders on condition that its supporters camped outside the presidential palace disperse.

Taiwanese President Agrees to Recount
(NYT, Mar. 23, 2004) President Chen Shui-bian of Taiwan agreed to a recount of his disputed victory by a razor-thin margin in the presidential elections, giving in to pressure from street demonstrations and the United States.

Powell Speaks over Taiwan's Disputed Elections
(AFP, Mar. 23, 2004) "It is important to remember that the United States is a supporter for free and fair elections in Taiwan and we are strictly neutral as regards the outcome," he said.

Recount Call Grows In Taiwan
(WP, Mar. 22, 2004) Lien urged Taiwan's closest ally, the United States, to express concern about the fairness of the election, which he lost by a margin of two-tenths of a percentage point.

Chinese Army on Alert over Taiwan: Report
(Reuters, Mar. 22, 2004) China has ordered its army on combat alert, ready to strike Taiwan if the island's election dispute intensifies, Hong Kong's South China Morning Post said.

Taiwan's Anti-Chen Camp Stick it Out in Streets
(AP, Mar. 22, 2004) Opposition supporters refused to disband from demonstrations near the President's office until the authorities agreed to re-count Taiwan's weekend election, won by the incumbent but bitterly disputed by his challenger.

Taiwan High Court Seals Election Ballot Boxes
(Reuters, Mar. 21, 2004) Taiwan's high court sealed ballot boxes after thousands of supporters of defeated presidential contender Lien Chan staged a sit-in in Taipei to demand a recount.

Taiwan's Leader Wins Re-election; Tally Is Disputed
(NYT, Mar. 21, 2004) President Chen Shui-bian of Taiwan was declared to have won a second term by a razor-thin margin, but the opposition Nationalist Party called for the election to be annulled and suggested that the president might have staged an 11th-hour assassination attempt to get votes.

Call for Recount in Taiwan Vote
(CNN.com, Mar. 20, 2004) Taiwan opposition candidate Lien Chan has called for a recount after results gave President Chen Shui-bian a narrow re-election victory. Chen won election to a second term with 6,471,970 votes to 6,442,452 for Lien -- a margin of just under 30,000 votes.

Taiwan's President Narrowly Wins Reelection
(AP, Mar. 20, 2004) President Chen Shui-bian narrowly won reelection Saturday a day after being shot in an assassination attempt, but a referendum he had championed on beefing up defenses against China failed because not enough voters took part.

Taiwanese President, Vice President Wounded in Shooting
(WP, March 19, 2004) Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian and his vice president were wounded after at least one bullet was fired at them while campaigning on the eve of an election that has deeply divided the island.

Beijing Watches and Waits Round the Clock
(Straits Times, Mar. 19, 2004) Beijing has set up a high-level taskforce to monitor, round the clock, the run-up to tomorrow's presidential election in Taiwan. The team is headed by Tang Jiaxuan, a former foreign minister.

Key Issues for Taiwan's Election Campaign
(AFP, Mar. 19, 2004) These are the key issues that are featuring in campaigning for Taiwan's March 20 presidential election: cross-strait ties, corruption and financial scandals, the economy, and Taiwan identity and ethnic splits.

Central Taiwan Holds Key to Polls Victory
(Straits Times, Mar. 18, 2004) It has become the battleground as Chen's forces swarm north and Lien's supporters head south to woo voters in the middle.

Chen's Camp Reels from Series of Blows
(Strait Times, Mar. 17, 2004) A sense of uncertainty is looming in President Chen Shui-bian's camp, and it could spell trouble for the ruling DPP in the presidential polls just three days away.

Taiwan Opposition Unveils Blueprint for China Links
(Reuters, Mar. 16, 2004) Building on the momentum of huge weekend rallies, Taiwan presidential challenger Lien Chan unveiled Monday a manifesto stressing the need for direct links with arch-foe China.

Taiwan's Economy Is Chen's Weak Point
(AP, Mar. 14, 2004) Hundreds of thousands of Taiwanese spent part of their weekend marching in the streets, urging others to vote against President Chen Shui-bian because they think he mucked up the island's economy.

Hundreds of Thousands in Taiwan Opposition Rallies
(Reuters, Mar. 13, 2004) Hundreds of thousands of Taiwan opposition faithful assembled across the island for rallies aimed at showing the strength of Nationalist contender Lien Chan.

No Change in Cross-Strait Military Tensions, CIA Says
(TT, Mar. 11, 2004) US intelligence has not yet detected any military moves by China to try to influence Taiwan's presidential election, CIA Director George Tenet says.

Taiwan President Accuses China of Interfering in Election
(AFP, Mar. 9, 2004) Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian accused China of trying to sabotage his campaign for re-election on March 20 by criticising his leadership through third countries.

Taiwan Presidential Race Too Close to Call –Polls
(Reuters, Mar. 9, 2004) Just 11 days before Taiwan's presidential election, the race between incumbent President Chen Shui-bian and his challenger, Lien Chan, was a dead heat.

Campaign Shifts into High Gear as Election Day Approaches
(CNA, Mar. 8, 2004) With less than two weeks to go before the presidential election, the ruling DDP is trying to extend its supporters' enthusiasm for the "protect Taiwan" campaign to election day.

Chen, Lien Debate Conscription Issue
(TT, Mar. 7, 2004) Chen Shui-bian and his opponent, Lien Chan, debated the reform of military service with Chen accusing Lien of trying to undermine Taiwan's national security and Lien pledging to establish a fully professional military by 2008.

Taiwan President Leads Presidential Race for First Time in 2004: Poll (AFP, Mar. 6, 2004) President Chen Shui-bian took the lead in Taiwan's election race for the first time this year after reaping the benefit of a huge government-backed anti-China protest last weekend, according to an influential newspaper poll.

Taiwanese Candidate Casts Self As Fixer
(AP, Mar. 3, 2004) The campaign TV ad shows a trawler ripping through rough seas as classical music plays. Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt appear. And then there's Lien Chan, Taiwan's challenger for president.

Rally Gives Chen Boost, DPP Says
(Taiwan News, Mar. 2, 2004) Initial results of the 2-28 human chain rally seems to have boosted President Chen Shui-bian's re-election bid, the Democratic Progressive Party officials said.

Taiwan Opposition Hits Out at President over Economy
(AFP, Mar. 2, 2004) Taiwan's opposition criticised President Chen Shui-bian's economic policies as it sought to draw attention away from the huge show of support for a weekend government-backed anti-China rally.

First Televised Debates Held on Referendum
(China Post, Mar. 1, 2004) The highly-anticipated verbal battle touched on various explosive issues, including an independence vote for Taiwan.

Lu and Soong Present Platforms in TV Forum
(Taiwan News, Feb. 29, 2004) Vice President Annette Lu asked voters to give President Chen Shui-bian and her another four-year term to continue political reforms while her challenger James Soong pitched a second transfer of power as the key to building a stronger Taiwan.

Human Chain Protest Spans Taiwan
(Reuters, Feb. 28, 2004) Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian and more than one million of his supporters have formed a human chain down the length of the island in its biggest ever protest against China.

Taiwan Separates Presidential Vote from Referendum
(Reuters, Feb. 27, 2004) Voters should first collect the presidential ballot and cast their vote before picking up the referendum ballot and casting that vote.

US Keeps Eye on Beijing Ahead of Poll
(Taipei Times, Feb 26, 2004) The head of the CIA said that he was concerned about China's missile build-up, but has seen no unusual deployments so far.

China Dismisses Promise by Taiwan's Chen to Promote Peace If Re-Elected (AFP, Feb. 25, 2004, 2004) China dismissed promises by Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian to promote peace with the mainland if re-elected, and suggested it did not believe he was sincere.

Military To Be on High Alert for March 20
(CNA, Feb. 25, 2004) The armed forces will be on heightened alert to help maintain domestic law and order before, during and after the presidential election on March 20.

Chen Trails Opponent in Election, Polls Say
(AP, Feb. 23, 2004) Two major polls both found that most respondents would support opposition candidate Lien Chan if the March 20 vote were held now.

Countdown to Taiwan Polls
(Straits Times, Feb. 21, 2004) With 28 days to go before Taiwan's presidential election, the campaign kicks off officially today. The contest is shaping up to be a tight race.

President Sees Danger If Status Not Upheld
(TN, Feb. 20, 2004) President Chen Shui-bian warned that Taiwan will be in danger if its leader does not know what the sovereignty of the nation is or uphold it during a radio interview.

Taiwan's Chen Again Sets Up Group on China Ties
(Reuters, Feb. 18, 2004) Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian, who has stoked tensions with China by calling a referendum, re-instituted a task force to break the ice with Beijing.

Taiwan Is Independent, President Chen Reiterates
(CNA, Feb. 16, 2004) President Chen Shui-bian has reiterated that Taiwan is an independent and sovereign country in an interview with Time magazine.

Chen, Lien Face Off in First Televised Presidential Debate
(Taipei Times, Feb. 15, 2004) Cross-strait policies and personality traits became the focal points of yesterday's presidential debate, the first-ever televised presidential debate in the nation's history.

Shanghai Bans Taiwanese Political Meet
(AP, Feb. 11, 2004) Shanghai banned Taiwanese backers of the island's opposition KMT presidential candidate from holding a meeting.

Details Released for Lien, Chen Election Debate
(Taiwan News, Feb. 9, 2004) The first presidential debates in Taiwan's history will be held on February 14 and 21, pitting incumbent president and DPP Chairman Chen Shui-bian against KMT Chairman Lien Chan.

Taiwan Businessmen Join Political Lobby
(AP, Feb. 5, 2004) The hundreds of thousands of Taiwanese doing business in rival China have long been a quiet bunch that just focused on their factories and avoided getting involved in Taiwan's raucous presidential campaigns. Not anymore.

'Pan-Green' and 'Pan-Blue' in Tight Race, DPP Reports
(CNA, Feb. 2, 2004) The "pan-green camp" presidential election ticket of President Chen Shui-bian is in a statistical dead heat with the opposition ticket of the "pan-blue alliance," the ruling Democratic Progressive Party reported.

Opening Direct Links a Priority If Elected, Pan-Blue Camp Says
(CNA. Jan. 30, 2004) The opposition presidential ticket of Lien Chan and James Soong will immediately push for the opening of direct transportation links across the Taiwan Strait if elected.

Chen and Lien Woo Taiwanese Businessmen in China
(Straits Times, Jan. 29, 2004) Taiwan's presidential candidates have turned their attention to mainland-based Taiwanese businessmen in their bid to win votes in the neck-and-neck race.

Chen Shares Frustrations over His Reform Agenda
(China Post, Jan. 19, 2004) President Chen Shui-bian expressed his frustrations over the progress of his reform programs and the improvement in the relations across the Taiwan Strait.

Taiwan's First Lady Sues Opposition Leader for Libel
(AFP, Jan. 5, 2004) Taiwan's first lady Wu Shu-chen filed a libel lawsuit against opposition leader Lien Chan for alleging that her family had used privilege to expand its wealth.

Lien Sues Taiwan President for Libel
(AP, Jan. 3, 2003) Taiwan's opposition presidential candidate filed a libel lawsuit against President Chen Shui-bian, saying that Mr Chen falsely accused his family of hiding assets and amassing a fortune through shady land deals.

Taipei Mirrors the Great Political Rift
(Taipei Times, Dec. 29, 2003) Contrary to the international trend, voters in Taipei City tend to be staunchly conservative, while those in Taipei County are more progressive.

Chen Tells China He May Revoke 'Five Noes' Pledge
(Taipei Times, Dec. 23, 2003) President Chen Shui-bian said he will give up his "five noes" promise if Beijing steps up its military threats.

Chen Has Some Questions for Hu Jintao
(Taipei Times, Dec. 14, 2003) Chen raised three questions he would like to put to Chinese President Hu Jintao: Why can't Taiwan and China go their separate ways since they have antithetical political systems? Why can't China dismantle its missiles used to intimidate democratic Taiwan? And why can't Taiwan enter the World Health Organization?

Lien Puts Focus on Taiwan's Recovery
(Financial Times, Dec. 13, 2003) Taiwan's opposition Nationalists have pledged to create a new economic miracle for the island if they win the presidential election in March next year.

Chen Picks Lu as Presidential Running Mate
(Taiwan News, Dec. 12, 2003) Ending months of suspense, President Chen Shui-bian officially announced his selection of Vice President Annette Lu as his running mate for re-election to a second four-year term.

Taking It to the Brink
(TIME, Dec. 15, 2003) Ahead of next March's presidential election, President Chen Shui-bian is fanning flames across the Taiwan Strait. Is he going too far?

DPP-KMT War of Words Heats Up
(China Post, Dec. 9, 2003) President Chen Shui-bian fired three questions at KMT Chairman Lien Chan concerning reconciliation, cross-strait relations, and party assets. He demanded replies.

Lien to Propose Arms Talks with Beijing
(China Post, Dec. 7, 2003) Lien Chan representing the "pan-blue" alliance will announce a proposal of holding "arms control talks" between Taipei and Beijing to improve relations across the Taiwan Strait.

Lien Touts KMT Platform as Key to Cross-Strait Peace
(Taiwan News, Nov. 9, 2003) The opposition's presidential ticket pegged the 2004 presidential poll as a choice between the peaceful status quo and a reckless leap at independence that will undo the economy.

Taiwan President Declares Re-Election Bid
(Reuters, Nov. 8, 2003) With an aggressive assertion that Taiwan is a separate country from China, President Chen Shui-bian declared his bid for re-election, raising the issue of the island's sovereignty to try to boost his chances.

Chen Takes Lead in Taiwan Presidential Candidates Opinion Poll
(AFP, Nov. 7, 2003) Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian for the first time leads in popular support among candidates for next year's presidential election following his trip to the United States and Panama, an opinion poll showed.

U.S. Unbiased Toward Taiwan Presidential Candidates
(China Post, Oct. 20, 2003) Washington does not have a favorite candidate or political party in Taiwan's presidential election in March 2004, according to a statement issued by the U.S. Department of State.

Chen's Inauguration Speech 'to Pacify China' By Lawrence Chung
(Straits Times, May 19, 2004) Following a stern warning from Beijing, the Taiwan President is likely to adopt a conciliatory stance, his policymakers say.

Taiwan Presidential Challenge Loses Steam By William Foreman
(Associated Press, May 8, 2004) The opposition has yet to provide compelling evidence of irregularities in the March 20 election, which Chen won by just 30,000 of the 13 million votes cast.

Beijing Starts Soul-Search: Who Lost Taiwan? By Ching Cheong
(Straits Times, Apr. 7, 2004) Half a century ago, the United States asked itself a soul-searching question: 'Who lost China?' Today, a similar question is being asked by some CCP officials. But this time, the question is: 'Who lost Taiwan?'

Taiwan’s Democratic Labour Pains By Chien-Min Chao
(Daily Times, Apr. 7, 2004) Yes, Taiwan’s recent vote will leave a divided country behind, but those divisions are democratic divisions.

Disputed Vote a Mark of Democracy in Taiwan By Chase Untermeyer (Houston Chronicle, Apr. 5, 2004) The consequences of that election will affect not just the future of that young democracy but possibly the peace of Asia.

Taiwan: Can't Let Go By Jason Dean
(Far Eastern Economic Review, Apr. 8, 2004) Will Taiwan's opposition party be able to put a razor-thin election loss behind it and move on?

Taiwan's President Maintains Hard Line By Philip P. Pan and David E. Hoffman (WP, Mar. 30, 2004) President Chen Shui-bian declared that his narrow reelection victory was a mandate from voters to press ahead with an aggressive agenda to develop Taiwan as an "independent, sovereign country" despite the risk of war with China.

Taiwan Election 'Conspiracy'
(BBC, Mar. 30, 2004) BBC News Online looks into the background to the main allegations and conspiracy theories gripping the island.

Taiwan's President Chen Shui-bian
(Washington Post, Mar. 29, 2004) Following is a transcript of the interview with President Chen Shui-bian of Taiwan.

Taiwan's President Seems Secure Despite a Huge Rally By Keith Bradsher (New York Times, Mar. 28, 2004) President Chen Shui-bian agreed to one of the demonstrators' demands, but seemed to be in a strong position to fend off others and to remain Taiwan's president for the next four years.

Pan-Blues: Screaming the Blues, Set for a Shakeup By Mac William Bishop (Asia Times, Mar. 26, 2004) The furor surrounding Taiwan's presidential election is a symptom of the dysfunction of the opposition.

Toward a Recount in Taiwan
(Editorial, New York Times, Mar. 25, 2004) Mr. Chen, for his part, needs to understand that even if he has won a second term, the voters have given him no mandate to move toward independence.

The Result Is Final: A Divided Taiwan By David Lague
(Far Eastern Economic Review, Apr. 1, 2004) Chen's significant gains at the polls show that nationalist sentiment is strong. However the dispute over results is resolved, leaders will be facing deep divisions in Taiwan.

US Hopes Victorious Chen Won't Push too Far
(Straits Times, Mar. 25, 2004) While the United States seems to be adopting a wait-and-see stance regarding Taiwan, the longer-term implications of the election result are troubling China-watchers here.

Taiwan Pride Propelled DPP to Victory By Ching Cheong
(Straits Times, Mar. 24, 2004) President's slim win is due largely to voters' growing sense of nationalism which obscured his lacklustre leadership.

China Silent on Taiwan Election By Robert Marquand
(Christian Science Monitor, Mar. 24, 2004) Taiwan in the Chinese mind may be an object of great and manifest desire, but it is held without much reference to its actual character or daily activity.

Taiwan's Message
(Editorial, Washington Post, Mar. 23, 2004) It is in everyone's interest to seek a stabilization of relations across the Taiwan Strait: one that can be acceptable to Beijing while at the same time recognizing the yearning of a young democracy to be a "normal" nation.

Beijing Walks Softly Around Taiwan Vote By Edward Cody
(WP, Mar. 23, 2004) Although China's people and government are passionate about reunification with Taiwan, the island's raucous election drama has been treated here with extreme caution, restricted news coverage and limited official comment.

Chen Shui-bian: Divider, Not Unifier By Lawrence Chung
(Straits Times, Mar. 23, 2004) President Chen Shui-bian once said his being elected would help to create ethnic harmony in Taiwan - but the record shows he has divided Taiwanese society.

Beijing Plots to Undermine Chen By Willy Lam
(CNN.com, Mar. 22, 2004) China's Leading Group on Taiwan Affairs, led by President Hu Jintao, will be assessing Chen's May 20 inaugural speech as well as the results of parliamentary elections due for December.

Election in Taiwan Is a Vote on China By Philip P. Pan
(WP, Mar. 19, 2004) The 23 million people of Taiwan will elect a president and choose between two sharply different views of how this self-governing island should deal with China.

Taiwan Election to Hinge on Approach to China By Joseph Kahn
(New York Times, Mar. 18, 2004) The incumbent Taiwanese president, Chen Shui-bian, has cast the vote on Saturday as a choice between subjugation to Communist China and Taiwanese nationalism, which some see as a stepping stone to formal independence.

A Wise China Would Offer an Olive Branch By Ralph Cossa
(Japan Times, Mar. 17, 2004) Beijing should nonetheless announce that it respects the wishes of the Taiwan people and express its willingness to work positively with the "chosen leader of the Taiwan people."

Ultimate High-Stakes Battle for Taiwan's Destiny By Laurence Eyton (Asia Times, Mar. 17, 2004) In these last few days of Taiwan's presidential election campaign, tension is at an all-time high. Both sides see the vote as the making or breaking of their visions of Taiwan.

Taiwan President's Impact Lasting: Report
(CNA, Mar. 16, 2004) President Chen Shui-bian has changed Taiwan in ways likely to have a lasting impact on the island and its place in the world, the Asian Wall Street Journal commented in a report.

Duelling Campaign Strategies
(Editorial, China Post, Mar. 15, 2004) As the voters of Taiwan eagerly await the results of the March 20 presidential election, we would like to take a step back and evaluate the strategies laid forward by rival camps seeking the country's highest office.

Taiwan Nationalists Face Identity, Survival Crisis By Michael Kramer
(Reuters, Mar. 14, 2003) The Nationalist Party may never have faced a challenge as dramatic as that which looms if it loses Taiwan's March 20 presidential election.

China-Taiwan: The Cross-Strait Tinderbox By Craig Meer and Macabe Keliher (Asia Times, Mar. 13, 2004) And so Taipei will hold an election and a referendum March 20 on what many see as Taiwanese independence, even if it is not officially described as such. Presidential candidates are saying, "Taiwan first" and "No to China."

The Many Hues of Taiwan's Politics By Lawrence Chung
(Straits Times, Mar. 12, 2004) It's green for the President's camp, blue for the KMT. And then there's purple for a group that backs neither green nor blue.

Taiwan Identity Clash Puts Children at Centre of Language Wrangle (AFP, Mar. 12, 2004) In Taiwan, education is always a tool manipulated by politicians to implant people with a specific ideology. The only difference now is that it is a different group of people in power.

US Nervous Ahead of Taiwan's Hotly-Contested Polls
(AFP, Mar. 11, 2004) The United States is increasingly nervous ahead of upcoming Taiwan elections as it tries to strike a balance in maintaining good ties with giant China and support for the tiny island's security.

Chen's Rallying Cry to Taiwanese Scares Chinese Leaders
(AFP, Mar. 10, 2004) The growing confidence of a new generation of Taiwanese nationalists is driving the re-election campaign of President Chen and raising fears in China that it is losing the battle for the island.

Race Seen as Hinging on 10% of Electorate
(Taiwan News, Mar. 10, 2004) This year's presidential and legislative elections will be decided by voters' perceptions of key national policy reforms and Taiwan's identity, some political analysts said.

Taiwan Election Outcome Still Up in the Air By Ching Cheong
(Straits Times, Mar. 9, 2004) With less than two weeks to go, it is still anybody's guess whether Mr Chen Shui-bian will win re-election - or be ousted by contender Lien Chan of the Kuomintang.

What Taiwan Wants By Andrew Perrin
(TIME, Mar. 8, 2004) Taiwan's presidential election might prove to be a perilous watershed in its relationship with China. Can Beijing rein in the renegade?

Taiwan Voters Show Rising Apathy Toward China Ballot Questions (Bloomberg, Mar. 7, 2004) Taiwan voters are showing increasing apathy about their first opportunity to cast ballots on public policy issues related to the island's relations with China.

U.S.-Taiwan Relations: Headstrong Island By Susan V. Lawrence
(Far Eastern Economic Review, Mar. 11, 2004) Washington holds out rewards for whoever wins the election as long as he refrains from provoking a confrontation with mainland China through pressing for a new constitution.

Playing Ball across the Taiwan Strait By Linda Jakobson
(IHT, Mar. 5, 2004) Beijing has made no secret of whom it is rooting for in Taiwan's presidential elections. In China's eyes, President Chen Shui-bian is unreliable and undesirable.

China Changes Tack on Chen By Goh Sui Noi
(Straits Times, Mar. 5, 2004) Watching the run-up to Taiwan's presidential election with increasing trepidation, China has turned from being a calm observer to an agitated third party within a period of eight months or so.

Taiwan: Pan-Blues Give Power to the People By Laurence Eyton
(Asia Times, Mar. 3, 2004) It is almost impossible to obtain reliable polling data in Taiwan, since everybody who conducts polls also has a partisan ax to grind. In fact, the consensus is that the two sides - the pan-blues and the ruling pan-green - are so close that the result is anybody's guess.

Taiwan's Soap Opera Plays On and On... By Lawrence Chung
(Straits Times, Mar. 3, 2004) While the presidential election on March 20 may prove to be an important turning point in Taiwan's destiny, it is seen by many common folk as soap opera - and an awful one at that.

War Unlikely to Follow Taiwan Polls By Ching Cheong
(Straits Times, Mar. 2, 2004) War or peace? That is really what the presidential election in Taiwan on March 20 is all about, not just choosing the island's next leader.

Presidential Election Shapes Up as a Tight Race in Final Weeks By William Foreman (Associated Press, Mar. 1, 2004) When President Chen Shui-bian started his campaign for re-election, things looked bleak. Two opposition parties had joined forces against him, backing a challenger who enjoyed a wide lead in most opinion polls.

The Strait Grows Wider By Jason Dean
(Far Eastern Economic Review, Mar. 4, 2004) A growing sense of separate identity among people who identify themselves solely as Taiwanese is central to the island's presidential election--and is likely to thrive as a major issue long afterward.

Chen Win Likely to Spell More Paralysis, Uncertainty: Scholars
(China Post, Feb. 25, 2004) A growing consensus among U.S. academics that reelection for President Chen Shui-bian could spell four more years of domestic and cross-strait paralysis and uncertainty.

China Ups Anti-Chen Crusade By Willy Lam
(CNN.com, Feb. 18, 2004) Chinese generals have joined the campaign to vilify Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian, a signal that Beijing is mobilizing more resources, including military means, to thwart Chen's alleged "creeping independence" crusade.

Chen Won Debate But Not Voters' Minds, Polls Find
(AFP, Feb. 16, 2004) Opinion polls gave conflicting conclusions as to whether Taiwan's president or his main rival in upcoming elections did better in the territory's first ever presidential debate.

Groups Say Debate Skirting Major Issues
(Taiwan News, Feb. 15, 2004) Civic groups expressed disappointment over presidential debate and criticized the two candidates for not only failing to address questions on major policy issues but also for taking advantage of the event to attack each other.

Taiwan Goes to the Polls
(Editorial, Asahi Shinbun, Feb. 14, 2004) Cool heads are needed for cross-strait stability. Public opinion polls show that, though Lien is slightly ahead of Chen, it is still a very close contest.

Losing Business By Jason Dean
(Far Eastern Economic Review, Feb. 19, 2004) President Chen's toughness toward China is eroding his support among Taiwan's business people, whose growing stake in the mainland may influence the way they vote.

China's Own Taiwan Campaign By Antoaneta Bezlova
(Asia Times, Feb. 11, 2004) Beijing has launched its own diplomatic and propaganda campaign to thwart the re-election chances of pro-independence leader Chen Shui-bian and to prevent the holding of a referendum.

China Plays Hardball with Chen By Willy Wo-Lap Lam
(CNN, Feb. 9, 2004) Beijing is mounting a multi-pronged offensive to minimize the re-election chances of pro-independent Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian.

Opposition Candidate Picks Middle Ground By Tyler Marshall and Mark Magnier (Los Angeles Times, Feb 8, 2004) Lien Chan backs ambiguity on Taiwan's sovereignty and seeks dialogue with China.

Democracy, Elections and Security By Nat Bellocchi
(Taipei Times, Feb. 7, 2004) Frequent communications between the leadership in Taiwan, China and the US would help remind them that a mistake could mean at least one of them might be faced with expulsion for having "lost Taiwan."

Taiwan Business in China Supports Opposition By Peter Morris
(Asia Times, Feb. 5, 2004) Taiwan's close presidential election may now hinge on the votes and campaign funding of China-based Taiwanese businessmen who say President Chen Shui-bian is not actively protecting their mainland investments of more than US$100 billion.

Setbacks Have Chen Scrambling for Win By Frank Ching
(Japan Times, Feb. 2, 2004) Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian has encountered unexpected setbacks in recent weeks that have slowed down his re-election campaign even though, at this point, the race between him and Kuomintang chairman Lien Chan is still neck and neck.

Insiders See DPP Alienating Youth, Losing Focus
(Taipei Times, Feb. 2, 2004) The DPP’s campaign shows no concrete vision and falls conceptually short of the standards of that of the 2000 presidential election, demonstrating that the party's campaign headquarters is out of touch.

Taiwanese in China Turn Political at Home By Kathrin Hille
(Financial Times, Jan 30, 2004) Taiwanese business people with investments in China are becoming a political force that could tip the balance in favour of the opposition in the island's tight presidential election race.

Taiwan's Pan-Blues Sing the Blues By Laurence Eyton
(Asia Times, Jan. 13, 2004) The prospects for Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian in his re-election battle are looking up - thanks to the opposition, which appears to be snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.

Taiwan Opposition Leader Vows Closer US Link By Kathrin Hille
(Financial Times, Jan. 10, 2004) Lien Chan, presidential candidate of Taiwan's opposition Nationalist party (KMT), has promised to accelerate weapons purchases from the US in order to repair strained ties with Washington if he is elected in March.

Campaigning, Ta

2004 Presidential Election

Taiwan Issues Shooting Report, But Mystery Remains (Reuters, Nov. 6, 2004) Taiwan released the full report by a top U.S. forensic expert on the election-eve shooting of President Chen Shui-bian but it offered few clues on who was responsible for the mysterious attack.

Lien to Appeal High Court Ruling (China Post, Nov. 5, 2004) Lien Chan, chairman of the Kuomintang, said he would appeal the Taiwan High Court ruling against his request to nullify the presidential election on March 20.

Taiwan Poll Challenge Rejected (BBC, Nov. 4, 2004) Taiwan's High Court has rejected an opposition challenge that President Chen Shui-bian won March's presidential election unfairly.

Chen Forms Body to Probe 3-19 Shooting (Taiwan News, July 7, 2004) President Chen Shui-bian announced yesterday his decision to ask Control Yuan President Frederick Chien to form a special commission to investigate the March 19 shootings.

Ballistics Report on Election-eve Shooting Unveiled (Taiwan News, June 25, 2004) The first ballistics report on the election-eve shooting of President Chen Shui-bian and running mate Vice President Annette Lu basically matched with evidence gathered from the crime scene.

Taiwan President Pledges to Hold off Formal Independence (Washington Post, May 20, 2004) His declared willingness to postpone such steps, while short of renouncing independence for good, held out the promise of several more crisis-free years in the Taiwan Strait.

Taiwan Starts Recount of Disputed Presidential Poll (Reuters, May 10, 2004) More than 400 judges and 1,600 lawyers joined Central Election Commission officials at 21 district courts around the island to open the sealed ballot boxes and monitor the recount.

Taiwan's Parties Finalise Plans for Election Recount (Financial Times, Apr. 13, 2004) Lawyers for Taiwan's ruling and opposition parties agreed yesterday on details for a recount of last month's disputed presidential election.

Shooting of Taiwan's Chen 'Not Self-Inflicted': US Forensic Expert (AFP, Apr. 11, 2004) US forensic expert Henry Lee ruled out one of the more outlandish theories in the election-eve shooting of President Chen Shui-bian when he said it was not self-inflicted.

US Forensic Expert Arrives in Taiwan to Investigate Chen's Shooting (AFP, Apr. 9, 2004) US forensic scientist Henry Lee has arrived here to help Taiwanese authorities investigate the pre-election shooting of President Chen Shiu-bian.

Students' Protest Puts Chen in a Fix (Straits Times, Apr. 7, 2004) Hunger strike by group of undergrads arouses public sympathy just as interest in the election controversy is dwindling.

Taiwan Protestors Keep Pressure On (CNN.com, Apr. 4, 2004) Tens of thousands of Taiwan opposition supporters gathered to demand an independent inquiry into an election-eve assassination attempt on President Chen that they say swung the poll.

Opposition to Petition Court to Annul Election, Hold New Vote (AP, Apr. 1, 2004) Taiwan's opposition is demanding a fresh presidential election even as the High Court prepares to hear its lawsuit contesting President Chen Shui-bian's narrow victory.

Taiwan President Says Island Is Independent, Vows New Referendum (AFP, Mar. 30, 2004) President Chen Shui-bian has reiterated his belief that Taiwan is independent from China and said he plans to press ahead with a referendum on constitutional reform.

Taiwan Courts Mull Opposition's Request (AP, Mar. 30, 2004) Taiwan's High Court y began considering the opposition's request to nullify President Chen Shui-bian's narrow re-election.

Half - Million Taiwanese Protest Election (AP, Mar. 27, 2004) A half million Taiwanese swarmed into island's capital on Saturday to protest the disputed presidential election, while rival China hinted it wouldn't let the turmoil drag on indefinitely.

Mainland Issues Warning to Taiwan after Violent Protest Breaks Out (People’s Daily, Mar. 27, 2004) The mainland side will not look on indifferently if the current situation in Taiwan worsens and spirals out of control, a spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council.

Taiwan Moves Towards Vote Recount (CNN.com, Mar. 26, 2004) Lawmakers in Taiwan have gathered to thrash out legislation that could call for a speedy recount of the disputed election vote.

Taiwan Election Winners Urge US to Recognise Result (AFP, Mar. 25, 2004) Taiwan's leadership has called on the United States to swiftly recognise its victory in the island's disputed election as a deadlock with the opposition persisted.

Taiwanese President Agrees to Recount (NYT, Mar. 23, 2004) President Chen Shui-bian of Taiwan agreed to a recount of his disputed victory by a razor-thin margin in the presidential elections, giving in to pressure from street demonstrations and the United States.

Powell Speaks over Taiwan's Disputed Elections (AFP, Mar. 23, 2004) "It is important to remember that the United States is a supporter for free and fair elections in Taiwan and we are strictly neutral as regards the outcome," he said.

Recount Call Grows In Taiwan (WP, Mar. 22, 2004) Lien urged Taiwan's closest ally, the United States, to express concern about the fairness of the election, which he lost by a margin of two-tenths of a percentage point.

Chinese Army on Alert over Taiwan: Report (Reuters, Mar. 22, 2004) China has ordered its army on combat alert, ready to strike Taiwan if the island's election dispute intensifies, Hong Kong's South China Morning Post said.

Taiwan's Anti-Chen Camp Stick it Out in Streets (AP, Mar. 22, 2004) Opposition supporters refused to disband from demonstrations near the President's office until the authorities agreed to re-count Taiwan's weekend election, won by the incumbent but bitterly disputed by his challenger.

Taiwan High Court Seals Election Ballot Boxes (Reuters, Mar. 21, 2004) Taiwan's high court sealed ballot boxes after thousands of supporters of defeated presidential contender Lien Chan staged a sit-in in Taipei to demand a recount.

Taiwan's President Narrowly Wins Reelection (AP, Mar. 20, 2004) President Chen Shui-bian narrowly won reelection Saturday a day after being shot in an assassination attempt, but a referendum he had championed on beefing up defenses against China failed because not enough voters took part.

Taiwanese President, Vice President Wounded in Shooting (WP, March 19, 2004) Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian and his vice president were wounded after at least one bullet was fired at them while campaigning on the eve of an election that has deeply divided the island.

Beijing Watches and Waits Round the Clock (Straits Times, Mar. 19, 2004) Beijing has set up a high-level taskforce to monitor, round the clock, the run-up to tomorrow's presidential election in Taiwan. The team is headed by Tang Jiaxuan, a former foreign minister.

Key Issues for Taiwan's Election Campaign (AFP, Mar. 19, 2004) These are the key issues that are featuring in campaigning for Taiwan's March 20 presidential election: cross-strait ties, corruption and financial scandals, the economy, and Taiwan identity and ethnic splits.

Central Taiwan Holds Key to Polls Victory (Straits Times, Mar. 18, 2004) It has become the battleground as Chen's forces swarm north and Lien's supporters head south to woo voters in the middle.

Chen's Camp Reels from Series of Blows (Strait Times, Mar. 17, 2004) A sense of uncertainty is looming in President Chen Shui-bian's camp, and it could spell trouble for the ruling DPP in the presidential polls just three days away.

Taiwan Opposition Unveils Blueprint for China Links (Reuters, Mar. 16, 2004) Building on the momentum of huge weekend rallies, Taiwan presidential challenger Lien Chan unveiled Monday a manifesto stressing the need for direct links with arch-foe China.

Taiwan's Economy Is Chen's Weak Point (AP, Mar. 14, 2004) Hundreds of thousands of Taiwanese spent part of their weekend marching in the streets, urging others to vote against President Chen Shui-bian because they think he mucked up the island's economy.

Hundreds of Thousands in Taiwan Opposition Rallies (Reuters, Mar. 13, 2004) Hundreds of thousands of Taiwan opposition faithful assembled across the island for rallies aimed at showing the strength of Nationalist contender Lien Chan.

No Change in Cross-Strait Military Tensions, CIA Says (TT, Mar. 11, 2004) US intelligence has not yet detected any military moves by China to try to influence Taiwan's presidential election, CIA Director George Tenet says.

Taiwan President Accuses China of Interfering in Election (AFP, Mar. 9, 2004) Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian accused China of trying to sabotage his campaign for re-election on March 20 by criticising his leadership through third countries.

Taiwan Presidential Race Too Close to Call –Polls (Reuters, Mar. 9, 2004) Just 11 days before Taiwan's presidential election, the race between incumbent President Chen Shui-bian and his challenger, Lien Chan, was a dead heat.

Campaign Shifts into High Gear as Election Day Approaches (CNA, Mar. 8, 2004) With less than two weeks to go before the presidential election, the ruling DDP is trying to extend its supporters' enthusiasm for the "protect Taiwan" campaign to election day.

Chen, Lien Debate Conscription Issue (TT, Mar. 7, 2004) Chen Shui-bian and his opponent, Lien Chan, debated the reform of military service with Chen accusing Lien of trying to undermine Taiwan's national security and Lien pledging to establish a fully professional military by 2008.

Taiwanese Candidate Casts Self As Fixer (AP, Mar. 3, 2004) The campaign TV ad shows a trawler ripping through rough seas as classical music plays. Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt appear. And then there's Lien Chan, Taiwan's challenger for president.

Rally Gives Chen Boost, DPP Says (Taiwan News, Mar. 2, 2004) Initial results of the 2-28 human chain rally seems to have boosted President Chen Shui-bian's re-election bid, the Democratic Progressive Party officials said.

Taiwan Opposition Hits Out at President over Economy (AFP, Mar. 2, 2004) Taiwan's opposition criticised President Chen Shui-bian's economic policies as it sought to draw attention away from the huge show of support for a weekend government-backed anti-China rally.

First Televised Debates Held on Referendum (China Post, Mar. 1, 2004) The highly-anticipated verbal battle touched on various explosive issues, including an independence vote for Taiwan.

Human Chain Protest Spans Taiwan (Reuters, Feb. 28, 2004) Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian and more than one million of his supporters have formed a human chain down the length of the island in its biggest ever protest against China.

Taiwan Separates Presidential Vote from Referendum (Reuters, Feb. 27, 2004) Voters should first collect the presidential ballot and cast their vote before picking up the referendum ballot and casting that vote.

US Keeps Eye on Beijing Ahead of Poll (Taipei Times, Feb 26, 2004) The head of the CIA said that he was concerned about China's missile build-up, but has seen no unusual deployments so far.