United Nations Referendum

2004 Referendum Issue

[ News ] [ Papers ]

Kuomintang to Boycott Referendum on Taiwan's U.N. Bid
(China Post, Mar. 12, 2008) Kuomintang chairman Wu Po-hsiung gave President Chen Shui-bian and the Central Election Commission an ultimatum yesterday, demanding that two referendums on Taiwan's admission to the United Nations be held independently of the presidential election on March 22.

Chen Promotes U.N. Referendum in Tainan
(Taiwan News, Mar. 11, 2008) President Chen Shui-bian took to the streets and led a seven-kilometer walk in his home county of Tainan yesterday to promote the upcoming referendum on Taiwan's bid to join the United Nations under the name of "Taiwan. "

Debates Held on U.N. Referenda
(China Post, Mar. 9, 2008) The Central Election Commission (CEC) yesterday held debates for proponents and opponents to express their views on the upcoming referendums on the country's bid for U.N. membership.

Referendum Risks Conflict with China: EU
(AFP, Mar. 7, 2008) "While recognizing the general value of referenda as democratic instruments, the EU is, nevertheless, concerned by the decision in Taiwan to proceed with the proposed referendum on joining the UN in the name of Taiwan," the European Union's presidency, currently held by Slovenia, said in a statement.

Lee Says U.N. Bid Referendums, Polls Should be Held Separately
(Taiwan News, Feb. 23, 2008) Former president Lee Teng-hui urged authorities involved with the two U.N. bid referendums initiated by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party and the opposition Kuomintang to handle the matter with greater care.

KMT Opposes Third Referendum: Wu
(Taipei Times, Feb. 22, 2008) Kuomintang(KMT) Chairman Wu Poh-hsiung expressed the party's opposition to a third referendum to replace the two UN referendum bids, while urging the government to reshuffle the Central Election Commission (CEC). "The KMT does not oppose the referendum, but we hope that the referendums can be held separately from the presidential election," Wu said.

KMT Lawmakers to Revise Law on Defensive Referendums
(CNA, Feb. 22, 2008) The main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) plans to cancel the president's power to initiate a defensive referendum by revising the law in the new session of the legislature slated to open today, in which it holds a majority.

Chen Mulling ‘Defensive Referendum'
(Taipei Times, Feb. 21, 2008) President Chen Shui-bian may launch a "defensive referendum" if the two major parties fail to resolve the controversy surrounding the referendum seeking UN membership before Feb. 22, the legal deadline for a new referendum proposal, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Frank Hsieh said.

Australia Raps Taiwan over UN Vote Plan
(AFP, Feb. 5, 2008) Taiwan's proposed referendum on joining the United Nations is "completely inappropriate", Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said at a news conference here with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi.

China Criticizes Taiwan Referendum as Threat to Peace: State Media (AFP, Feb. 3, 2008) China warned that Taiwan's decision to hold a referendum on trying to join the United Nations could threaten peace in the Asia Pacific region, state media said. China said the decision to hold the referendum on whether to bid for membership under the name "Taiwan" was a move towards formal independence by the island.

Taiwan to Hold UN Referendums alongside Presidential Poll
(AFP, Feb. 2, 2008) The controversial referendum, proposed by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), would be held alongside the island's presidential elections, the Central Election Commission announced.

No Defensive Referendum: DPP
(Taipei Times, Jan 29, 2008) Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate and party chairman Frank Hsieh said the DPP would not support a defensive referendum aimed at seeking membership at the UN to be held alongside the March 22 presidential election.

Hsieh Says Referenda Cannot Be Cancelled
(Taiwan News, Jan. 24, 2008) Democratic Progressive Party presidential candidate Frank Hsieh stated that the two referenda related to Taiwan's application to join the United Nations can neither be legally cancelled or separated from the upcoming March 22 presidential election.

TSU to DPP: Separate Two Votes
(China Post, Jan. 22, 2008) Chairman Huang Kun-hui of the Taiwan Solidarity Union (TSU) suggested yesterday to Frank Hsieh, presidential candidate of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), that he try to have the U.N. referendum separated from the upcoming presidential race on March 22.

U.S. Opposes Taiwan U.N. Referendum: Negroponte
(AFP, Jan. 18, 2008) A senior U.S. official called Taiwan's plan for a referendum on applying for United Nations membership "provocative" Thursday, after Beijing urged greater opposition to the vote. "From the perspective of the United States, the conduct of such a referendum is a mistake," U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte told journalists.

KMT Chair Calls for Referendum Boycott
(China Post, Jan. 1, 2008) The Kuomintang is calling for a boycott of two referendums, one of them its own, scheduled to be held alongside legislative elections on Jan. 12. Wu Po-hsiung, Kuomintang chairman, announced the party's decision, urging all eligible voters not to receive ballots for the two referendums.

Taiwan: US Caving to China on Referendum
(Associated Press, Jan. 1, 2008) Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian said that the United States is caving in to Chinese pressure and disregarding democratic values by opposing the island's referendum on its attempt to join the U.N.

New Leader Bound by Referendum, Says Chen
(Straits Times, Dec. 27, 2007) Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian has said his successor would be required to act on the outcome of a potentially destabilizing referendum which China fears could act as a legal basis for the island to declare de jure independence. Mr Chen's remarks came amid concerns that the public vote, if it were to pass, could tie the hands of Taiwan's next president in managing cross-strait ties.

KMT Lawmakers Push for Boycott of Referendums
(Taipei Times, Dec. 26, 2007) A group of Kuomintang (KMT) legislators has launched a campaign to boycott all referendums to be held next year, KMT Legislator Hung Hsiu-chu said. Asked if the campaign meant she disagreed with the two referendums initiated by the KMT, Hung merely said that the goals of her party's two referendums could also be achieved through legislation.

Executive Yuan Issues Ultimatum on Voting System
(Taiwan News, Dec. 25, 2007) The Executive Yuan issued a final ultimatum to the chairpersons or executive supervisors of city and county election commissions to abide by the "single-stage" voting system for the January 12 Legislative Yuan election or face immediate dismissal and possible criminal prosecution.

Singapore Reiterates Stand on Taiwan
(Straits Times, Dec. 25, 2007) Singapore urged Taiwan's government to reconsider a proposal to put the island's United Nations membership bid under the title 'Taiwan' to a referendum, saying the move is provocative and irresponsible.

Referendum No Provocative Tool: Chen
(Taipei Times, Dec. 23, 2007) The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government will go ahead with the UN referendum as it is a response to a public petition, President Chen Shui-bian said. "There is absolutely no provocative policy, but only a policy that respects public opinion ... It is not Taiwan that is acting provocative today, it is China," Chen said.

U.S. Opposes "Provocative" Taiwan Referendum Bid: Rice
(Reuters, Dec. 22, 2007) The United States considers Taiwan's planned referendum on joining the United Nations provocative and unhelpful, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said. "We think that Taiwan's referendum to apply to the United Nations under the name 'Taiwan' is a provocative policy," Rice said, restating that Washington did not support Taiwanese independence and opposed the use of force by China to settle the dispute.

Russia Opposes Taiwan Referendum on UN
(AFP, Dec. 18, 2007) Russia is "concerned" about a plan by Taiwan to organize a referendum on joining the United Nations, its foreign ministry said, warning such a move risked destabilizing the region.

Hsieh Calls AIT Chair's Remarks on U.N. Bid Referendum Heartening (CNA, Dec. 13, 2007) Ruling Democratic Progressive Party presidential candidate Frank Hsieh said that he felt heartened when American Institute in Taiwan Chairman Raymond Burghardt said Taiwan's U.N. bid referendum will "box in" Taiwan's next president.

Chen Must Keep His Pledge: AIT Chief
(TT, Dec. 12, 2007) AIT Chairman Raymond Burghardt said yesterday that the US would take the pledge President Chen Shui-bian made to him on Monday very seriously and watch carefully who says what before, during and after next March's referendum on applying to the UN under the name "Taiwan."

US Envoy Says UN Referendum Could Bind the Hands of New Taiwan President (AP, Dec. 11, 2007) Washington opposes a referendum on U.N. membership for Taiwan because it wants the island's new president to have a free hand to manage relations with China when he takes office next May, a senior U.S. official said Tuesday.

Taiwan Leader Won't Declare Independence
(AP, Dec. 11, 2007) Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian pledged Monday that before he steps down in May 2008 he will not declare formal independence — a move China has said would require it to retake the island by force.

US Warns Taiwan Against UN Referendum
(DPA, Dec. 7, 2007) Thomas Christensen, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, reiterated Washington's warning against Taiwan's planned referendum on joining the United Nations, calling the move risky and provocative, according to Taiwan press reports.

U.S. Opposition May Create Backlash: Chen
(Central News Agency, Dec. 7, 2007) President Chen Shui-bian said that U.S. opposition to Taiwan's plan to hold a referendum on applying to join the United Nations under the name Taiwan could trigger an emotional backlash from the Taiwan people and could be unfavorable to relations between the two countries.

China Tells Carter U.S. Should Rein in Taiwan
(Reuters, Dec. 6, 2007) China told visiting former U.S. president Jimmy Carter it hopes the United States will thwart Taiwan's contentious plan to hold a referendum next year on the island's U.N. membership.

France's Sarkozy Opposes Taiwan's U.N. Referendum
(AFP, Nov. 27, 2007) French President Nicolas Sarkozy said Taiwan's plan to hold a referendum on U.N. membership was a mistake, as he reassured China that France supported its claims over the island.

Taiwan Drops "U.N." Stamp as China Returns to Sender
(Reuters, Nov. 16, 2007) Taiwan slammed China for refusing to accept letters stamped with a controversial "U.N. for Taiwan" postmark, but the postal service said it would stop using the logo unless asked for it.

China Returns Taiwan Mail over UN Slogan
(AP, Nov. 15, 2007) China is stamping return to sender on mail from Taiwan postmarked with a slogan supporting the island's bid to join the United Nations. Taiwan's post office began putting a "U.N. for Taiwan" postmark on selected items of outgoing mail six weeks ago.

US Voices Opposition to Taiwan Referendum
(AFP, Nov. 10, 2007) The de facto US envoy to Taiwan reiterated Washington's opposition to President Chen Shui-bian's apparent determination to push ahead with a referendum on UN membership for the island. Young said a referendum was "not necessary" or "helpful" and called on Taiwan to adopt a "careful and moderate approach" in relations with China.

US Lawmakers Introduce Bill Backing UN Membership for Taiwan
(AFP, Nov. 10, 2007) Nineteen US lawmakers, nearly all of them from President George W. Bush's Republican party, have introduced a bill in the House of Representatives backing UN membership for Taiwan. US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Thomas J. Christensen recently urged the leadership in Taipei to "anticipate potential Chinese red lines and reactions and avoid unnecessary and unproductive provocations."

Washington Clarifies Pentagon Statements
(China Post, Nov. 7, 2007) The United States clarified yesterday a highly sensitive statement that was posted this past weekend on the Pentagon's Web site. Washington's stance regarding cross-strait relations has not changed, an official from the Ministry of Defense said.

Pentagon Urged to Clarify 'Referendum' Remarks
(Taiwan News, Nov. 6, 2007) Taiwan's representative office in Washington has been asked to approach the U.S. Department of Defense for clarification of a statement released by the Pentagon. In the press release, it described Taiwan's referendum in March 2008 as an "independent referendum," and stated that U.S. President George W. Bush "has said the United States is against independence for the island nation."

Dual Polls, Referendum the 'Norm,' Chen Says
(Taiwan News, Nov. 4, 2007) President Chen Shui-bian said it is right and proper for a referendum to be held alongside major nationwide elections, adding that this is a democratic norm. "It is a democratic norm to hold referendums simultaneously with national elections," said Chen.

The European Union Official Concerned about Taiwan's United Nations Bid (AFP, Oct. 27, 2007) EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana voiced concern at Taiwan's plans to hold a referendum on applying for United Nations membership. "This concern flows from the EU's conviction that both sides of the Strait should refrain from statements or actions which might raise tension across the Strait and which might be perceived as a unilateral change in the status quo," Solana added.

No US Support for UN Bid, AIT Director Says
(Taipei Times, Oct 25, 2007) American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Director Stephen Young said the US government does not support Taiwan's UN membership bid. "The US government's stance is clear," he said. "We do not support it because it is unnecessary."

Chen Carries the Torch for Taiwan's UN Bid
(Straits Times, Oct. 25, 2007) There is no escaping the 'UN for Taiwan' slogan. The slogan made its way onto the streets as President Chen Shui-bian kicked off a round-the-island torch relay in the latest effort to drum up support for a contentious referendum on Taiwan's bid to join the United Nations. The all-out campaign by Mr Chen's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government underscores its strategy to make the referendum the dominant issue in the presidential election next March.

Taiwan's South Pacific Allies Support United Nations Bid
(CNA, Oct. 13, 2007) The heads of state of Taiwan and its six South Pacific allies issued a joint declaration in which they expressed their support for Taiwan's right to join major world organizations, including the United Nations and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Chen Affirms Push for U.N. Membership Referendum
(Taiwan News, Oct. 11, 2007) President Chen Shui-bian reaffirmed his support for a controversial referendum on whether the government should use the name of "Taiwan" to apply membership in the United Nations in his annual National Day Address.

Taiwan Independence Moves 'Endanger Peace,' China Says
(AFP, Sep. 30, 2007) China's foreign minister warned the U.N. General Assembly that Taiwan's push to assert a separate identity would "gravely endanger peace and stability" in the region if it does not stop. Yang Jiechi denounced a referendum planned for March that will ask Taiwanese voters if they support applying for U.N. membership.

China Issues Fresh Warning to Taiwan over U.N. Bid
(Reuters, Sep. 26, 2007) China has sounded a fresh warning to Taiwan over a planned referendum on its bid to join the United Nations, saying such a move by an island it considers sovereign territory would endanger regional peace.

U.N. General Assembly Thwarts Taiwan Bid
(Associated Press, Sep. 22, 2007) The U.N. General Assembly thwarted Taiwan's bid for membership in the world body, with a majority of countries speaking out against its inclusion during a marathon debate. The 192-member General Assembly agreed by consensus to accept a committee's recommendation to exclude Taiwan's application from the agenda of its 62nd session.

Taiwan's 15th Annual Bid to Join United Nations Rejected
(Reuters, Sep. 20, 2007) The United Nations blocked Taiwan's quest for membership in the world body for the 15th consecutive year. A U.N. committee rejected a proposal to put on the agenda of the 62nd U.N. General Assembly session representation and participation of Taiwan in the United Nations.

China Condemns Taiwanese U.N. Rally
(AP, Sep. 17, 2007) China condemned a massive rally organized by Taiwan's president calling for the island's membership in the United Nations, warning Sunday that Beijing was now preparing for a "serious situation."

DPP, KMT Rally for UN Referendums
(Taipei Times, Sep. 16, 2007) Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets in southern and central Taiwan yesterday in support of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and Kuomintang's (KMT) respective referendum proposals on the nation's bid to join the UN. The DPP's government-backed referendum would ask voters whether the nation should apply for UN membership under the name "Taiwan," whereas the KMT's referendum would ask voters whether the nation should apply to "return" to the UN under the name "Republic of China" (ROC) or any other "practical" and dignified title.

Chen Rebuts US' Referendum Criticism
(Taipei Times, Sep. 14, 2007) Rebuffing US criticism, President Chen Shui-bian said a planned referendum on a UN bid was not an election ploy or a provocative act but a means to safeguard the status quo in the Taiwan Strait and ensure Taiwan's democracy.

US Tells Taiwan to Back Down on UN Vote
(Straits Times, Sep. 13, 2007) There is no mistaking the message: Back down or face the consequences. In its clearest warning yet against a controversial referendum initiated by Taiwan, the US said the move could have 'potentially large' drawbacks for US-Taiwan ties.

Chen's 3rd Letter to United Nations Also Returned
(China Post, Sep. 12, 2007) Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said that President Chen Shui-bian's third letter to the United Nations (U.N.) authorities would also be returned to Taiwan, based on the same interpretation of U.N. General Assembly resolution 2758.

Taiwan U.N. Bid Endorsed by Africa Allies
(Taiwan News, Sep. 10, 2007) Five of Taiwan's African allies pledged support for Taiwan to join the United Nations by signing a joint statement with President Chen Sui-bian at the First Taiwan-African Heads of State Summit in Taipei.

U.S. Not Enemy in U.N. Issue, Chen Says
(Taiwan News, Sep. 8, 2007) Despite the United States' opposition to Taiwan's efforts to join the United Nations under the name "Taiwan," it's China, not the U.S., that is the enemy of Taiwan on the issue, said President Chen Shui-bian at a pro-independence forum.

United States, China Join Forces to Warn Taiwan over Bid
(AFP, Sep. 7, 2007) In an unusual diplomatic two-step, the U.S. and Chinese presidents Thursday set aside their differences on Taiwan and put pressure on the island to drop plans for a referendum on UN membership.

Taiwan Leader Hits Back at US Criticism on Referendum
(AFP,, Sep. 2, 2007) Taiwan's President Chen Shui-bian has defiantly restated his country's statehood while hitting back at US criticism of the island's planned UN membership referendum.

Taiwan Rejects U.S. Criticism of U.N. Referendum Bid
(Reuters, Sep. 1, 2007) Taiwan has strongly rejected comments by a senior White House official that its plan to hold a referendum on United Nations membership was "perplexing" as the island was not a formal state and therefore could not join.

Taiwan Move to Join UN 'Perplexing:' White House
(AFP,, Aug. 31, 2007) A senior White House official called Taiwan's planned referendum on joining the United Nations "perplexing," saying it adds unnecessary tension to regional relations.

China Praises US for Opposing Taiwan Vote
(Strait Times, Aug. 30, 2007) China has praised the United States' opposition to a proposed Taiwanese referendum on joining the United Nations, saying the island's bid to assert nationhood is 'doomed to failure'.

Japan, China Eye Hotline to Boost Military Ties
(AFP, Aug. 30, 2007) Japan and China agreed to work to ease military tensions through a crisis hotline and ship exchanges despite lingering unease over Taiwan and Beijing's growing defense spending.

Referendum A Mistake, US Official Says
(Taipei Times, Aug. 29, 2007) The US has signaled a major intensification of its campaign against President Chen Shui-bian's plan for a referendum seeking membership in the UN under the name "Taiwan," warning publicly for the first time that it sees the referendum as a move toward independence. "We oppose the notion of that kind of a referendum because we see that as a step toward a declaration of independence for Taiwan, towards the alteration of the status quo," US Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte said.

KMT's U.N. Referendum to Move to 2nd Phase
(Taiwan News, Aug. 29, 2007) The Cabinet's Referendum Review Committee gave the green light to a Kuomintang-initiated referendum on Taiwan's bid to join the United Nations with a vote of eight to four, setting the stage for a second-phase endorsement drive for the referendum proposal.

Chen to Push United Nations Vote Regardless of United States Stand (China Post, Aug. 27, 2007) President Chen Shui-bian vowed to push for a national referendum on Taiwan's bid to join the United Nations under the name of Taiwan regardless of support or opposition from the United States.

Chen Shrugs Off Communique Snub
(Taipei Times, Aug. 25, 2007) Taiwan signed a joint communique with seven of its diplomatic allies in Central America and the Caribbean, but a proposal that the document also include a clause stating that Taiwan is an independent nation that deserves to join international organizations such as the UN and WHO was left out of the document.

Democracy Not Subject to 'Red Lines': Chen
(CNA, Aug. 24, 2007) President Chen Shui-bian said that Taiwan's efforts to deepen its democratic development, including a planned referendum on the country's U.N. bid, should not be subject to any red lines or suppression.

Fifteen Allies Submit Motion Backing Taiwan's Bid to U.N.
(CNA, Aug. 17, 2007) Fifteen of Taiwan's diplomatic allies have put forward a motion at the United Nations pressing the world body to deal with Taiwan's membership application according to established procedures, Taiwan officials posted in New York said.

Chen Vows to Continue Bid for UN
(Taipei Times, Aug. 3, 2007) President Chen Shui-bian vowed to persist with Taiwan's UN bid and said he would not stop until the nation becomes a full member. The president made the remarks following the return of his letter to the Chinese ambassador to the UN.

Taiwan's Bid to Join UN Rejected Again
(DPA, Aug. 2, 2007) A second letter sent by Taiwan's President Chen Shui-bian requesting UN membership was ignored by the UN secretary general and the Security Council as China derided Chen as an "international troublemaker."

Taipei to Try to Join UN for 16th Times
(AP, July 31, 2007) Taiwan will apply to join the United Nations for the 16th time in 15 years when the General Assembly convenes in New York in September, Taiwan's Foreign Minister said, a week after the body rejected its latest bid.

Chen Mulls Yu's 'Defensive Referendum'
(Taipei Times, July 28, 2007) President Chen Shui-bian would consider Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Chairman Yu Shyi-kun's proposal that he initiate a "defensive" referendum "in the face of Beijing's mounting political hegemony against Taiwan," an aide said.

United States Admiral Critical of Chen Referendum Plan
(AP, July 26, 2007) The top U.S. military commander in the Pacific criticized Taiwan's president for statements on the island's independence he said were unhelpful to keeping peace in the volatile Taiwan Strait.

Chen Vows to Persist on UN Bid
(Taipei Times, July 25, 2007) President Chen Shui-bian said that only the UN Security Council and General Assembly had the right to consider Taiwan's bid for UN membership, adding that the nation would not be deterred by the UN secretary-general's rejection of the application.

UN Rejects Taiwan Application for Entry
(AP, July 24, 2007) The United Nations has rejected Taiwan's latest application to become a member of the world body, citing the organization's adherence to the "one China" policy and its recognition of the Chinese government in Beijing.

Chen Applies for Seat in U.N. under 'Taiwan'
(Taiwan News, July 21, 2007) President Chen Shui-bian has officially submitted an application for Taiwan to join the United Nations as a full member to U.N Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. "I have the honor, on behalf of Taiwan's 23 million people and in my capacity as president, to request the admission of Taiwan as a member of the United Nations."

Taiwan to Hold UN Membership Referendum after Policy U-Turn
(AFP, July 13, 2007) The Taiwanese cabinet is to hold a referendum on joining the United Nations under the name "Taiwan," following a policy reversal. The decision was made by an appeal committee after closed-door discussions by the island's ruling Democratic Progressive Party.

KMT Introduces Proposal to Seek Public Backing for Referendum

(Taiwan News, July 5, 2007) The opposition Kuomintang has formally introduced a proposal to seek public endorsement for a referendum calling for a practical and flexible approach to pushing for Taiwan's return to the United Nations in the name of the Republic of China or any other practical title.

Taiwan Committee Rejects Request to Hold Referendum on UN
(DPA, June 30, 2007) Taiwan's Referendum Review Committee on Friday rejected a request by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to hold a referendum on the island's joining the United Nations in the name of 'Taiwan.'

Taiwan Will Hold U.N. Bid Referendum: Chen
(China Post, June 19, 2007) President Chen Shui-bian announced he will call a referendum alongside a nationwide election next year to help Taiwan rejoin the United Nations under that name.

KMT Lawmakers Mull Referendum on Issues of Cross-Strait Links
(TN, June 12, 2007) The caucus of the main opposition Kuomintang yesterday announced that they would push for a national referendum on the issue of direct transportation links between Taiwan and China to be held in tandem with the presidential election next year.

U.N. Referendum to be Held with Election
(CNA, May 23, 2007) President Chen Shui-bian expressed his hope that a referendum on the country's bid to join the United Nations under the name "Taiwan" can be held in tandem with the legislative elections slated for the end of this year or the presidential election to be held in early 2008.

U.S., China Resigned to Taiwan Vote, Both Put Hope in Citizens Rejecting Controversial Measure (Washington Post, Mar. 6, 2008) Neither Beijing nor Washington has abandoned its strong opposition to the referendum, officials said. But faced with President Chen Shui-bian's unshaken determination to hold the vote, U.S. and Chinese officials hope the measure will be defeated by the island's crisis-weary voters.

US Official Ties Poll with Identity Issue
(Taipei Times, Feb. 7, 2008) Michael McConnell, the US Director of National Intelligence, indicated on Tuesday that the US intelligence community views plans to hold a referendum on UN entry to coincide with Taiwan's presidential election as a reflection of President Chen Shui-bian's effort to "affirm Taiwan's sovereignty."

Referendum Issues Seen under Spotlight
(CNA, Feb. 5, 2008) Results of the two referendum proposals regarding Taiwan's bid for membership in the United Nations are of greatest concern to China and the United States, academics said at a recent seminar.

MOFA Says Cross-Strait 'Status Quo' Worries Japan
(CNA, Jan. 1, 2008) Japan has recently explained that it "does not oppose" Taiwan's plan to hold a referendum on its bid for a seat in the United Nations under the name Taiwan. Japan told the ministry that it will not support the planned referendum "if it leads (Taiwan) to take unilateral action to change the status quo."

China and Taiwan Draw Fire From Washington
(New York Times, Dec. 22, 2007) Senior Bush administration officials on Friday sharply criticized both China and Taiwan for unnecessarily inflaming tensions between each other and with the United States. During a State Department news conference Ms. Rice said that the United States would “monitor closely” the Taiwan referendum issue.

Hsieh Backs Taiwan's Planned UN Plebiscite
(Straits Times, Oct. 13, 2007) In what appears to be a shift in his campaign platform, Taiwan's ruling party presidential nominee Frank Hsieh has thrown his full weight behind a contentious referendum that has riled China. Mr Hsieh, in his first public appearance after a two-week hiatus, described the referendum on the island's bid to join the United Nations as a 'historic task' Taiwan could ill afford to fail.

UN Bid Puts Taiwan on Skids with China By Jonathan Adams
(Christian Science Monitor, Sep. 25, 2007) Taiwan and China are gearing up for another season of escalating tensions that many, including Chinese President Hu Jintao, are calling a "high-risk period" for cross-strait relations. Taiwan's push for a seat in the UN has complicated cross-strait relations and rattled Washington.

More Taiwan Tensions
(TIME, Sep. 20, 2007) What's in a name?  For Taiwan, the answer may be its survival. The latest political gambit by outgoing President Chen Shui-bian has both elicited veiled threats from China and pitted his country against its main ally, the U.S.

Proposing a Wiser UN Referendum By Cho Hui-wan
(Taipei Times, Sep. 19, 2007) If people can tell the difference between advantages and disadvantages, what can be won and what can be lost, the referendum should be changed to the question: "Do you agree that the UN should not exclude Taiwan?"

Friction between Friends: US Policy And Taiwan’s United Nations Campaign By Dennis V. Hickey (Sep. 14, 2007) The central point here is that it any resolution will require new thinking, compromise and multilateral cooperation among numerous governments that have grown accustomed to either unilateral action or no action whatsoever in international affairs.

Taiwan Seeks Attention but China Steals Spotlight By Ralph Jennings (Reuters, Sep. 19, 2007) Isolated Taiwan is clamouring for world attention and pressing a hopeless bid for U.N. membership, frustrated that powerhouse China, its neighbour, rival and host of next year's Olympics, has eclipsed it.

Will President Chen Blink on UN Vote? By Ong Hwee Hwee
(Straits Times, Sep. 15, 2007) Despite recent warnings from the US, he has not shown any sign that he will back down from the referendum on the island's bid to join the United Nations under the name 'Taiwan'. The public vote will be held on March 22 next year, alongside Taiwan's presidential election.

Taiwan-US Relationship Misjudged By Lai I-chung
(Taipei Times, Sep. 14, 2007) For quite some time, Taiwan and the US have not seen eye to eye over the proposed referendum on Taiwan's application for UN membership under the name "Taiwan." Trust between the two parties is at a low, and the US feels Taiwan's president has violated his "four noes" promise, while Taiwan feels the US keeps changing its expectations.

Taiwan Media Shaken by US Warning on Referendum By Ong Hwee Hwee (Straits Times, Sep. 14, 2007) President Chen Shui-bian has brushed aside the latest US criticism of Taiwan's referendum plans, but newspapers here are paying heed. Even Liberty Times, known for its pro-independence stance, ran a commentary urging the government to take US views seriously.

Taiwan Rebuffs U.S. Criticism
(Wall Street Journal, Sep. 13, 2007) Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian, rebuffing U.S. criticism, said a referendum on the island's desire to join the United Nations is "basic democracy" in action and will happen next year as scheduled.

Chen's Last Throw?
(Editorial, Straits Times, Sep. 12, 2007) Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian's talent for the theatrical is well known. But when he manipulates events and attitudes to influence an outcome and to extract a specific response, he could be playing with forces he cannot control.

Speech to U.S.-Taiwan Business Council Defense Industry Conference By Thomas J. Christensen (Sep. 11, 2007) The United States is not opposed to referenda. But the topic and content of any particular referendum must be considered. The particular referendum supported by President Chen concerns us considerably more than would a generic referendum on applying to the UN. What worries us, very specifically, is the issue of name change.

Taiwan Leader Riles China, U.S. By Peter Enav
(Associated Press, Sep. 10, 2007) Beijing views the referendum as a direct challenge to its claim that Taiwan is part of China. No one expects war anytime soon, but Chen's move worries U.S. officials enough that they have publicly criticized it. The United States is wary of getting dragged into a scrap between a democratic friend and its giant neighbor across the Taiwan Straits.

Chen's UN Referendum Plan Forces Tougher US Reaction
(Straits Times, Sep. 8, 2007) Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian, in pushing ahead with a referendum at home on UN membership, risks unraveling 30 years of American policy of 'strategic ambiguity' with regard to the island's future. The referendum issue might have well triggered a shift in US policy towards Taiwan.

Taiwan Referendum Plan Triggers Shift in US Policy
(Agence France Presse, Sep. 8, 2007) US President George W. Bush's administration appears to have made a radical shift in its Taiwan policy which some experts see as a miscalculation and kowtowing to the island's giant neighbor China. "For the US side, we need to recognize the issue of identity in Taiwan is not a political game, it's not a tactical move in Taipei, it's a very fundamental issue, not at all unique to its 23 million people," said Michael Green, Bush's former top Asian aide.

Four Likely Scenarios for the UN Referendums By Lin Cheng-yi
(Taipei Times, Sep. 7, 2007) When it comes to the referendums, there are four possible outcomes. These are, in order of likelihood: neither referendum passes; only the referendum proposed by the KMT passes; both referendums pass; only the one proposed by the DPP passes.

Taiwan Party Slams US Official over Referendum Comment
(Agence France Presse, Aug. 30, 2007) Taiwan's ruling party hit back at comments by a senior US official who said Taipei's plans for a referendum on joining the United Nations were a mistake." Taiwan stands on the just and right side while a few US officials will be judged by history," said Lin Chia-lung, secretary general of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

Kuomintang Referendum Plan 'Far Different' Than Democratic Progressive Party (China Post, Aug. 29, 2007) Su Chun-bing, KMT spokesman, noted that the DPP insists hold a referendum on joining the U.N. only under the name of "Taiwan" to provoke Beijing, but the KMT emphasizes "using pragmatic and flexible strategies" for Taiwan to rejoin international bodies such as the U.N. among others.

Shriver Says U.S. Against Content of Referendum
(Taiwan News, Aug. 10, 2007) Former U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Randy Schriver said that the United States is opposed to the content of a referendum proposed by Taiwan's ruling party on the issue of whether Taiwan should join the United Nations under the name of Taiwan, saying that since more 70 percent of Taiwan's citizenry support the idea, there is no need to hold such a referendum.

Taiwan Referendum to Help Chen Avoid Lame Duck Fate
(Reuters, July 31, 2007) With barely 10 months to go before his second four-year term ends, Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian hopes a planned referendum on U.N. membership will help him avoid becoming a lame duck by shifting the blame to China.

Foreign Minister Says UN Referendum Is 'Overwhelming Sentiment' of Taiwan People (Associated Press, July 27, 2007) Brushing off threats from rival China, Taiwan's foreign minister said a planned referendum on membership in the United Nations will go ahead because it reflects the "overwhelming sentiment" of the island's people.

Chen Slams US for Objecting to Referendum
(Straits Times, July 26, 2007) Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian slammed Washington for suppressing the island's democracy by opposing a public vote on its bid to join the United Nations. In a thinly-veiled swipe at the United States, Mr Chen slammed Washington's perceived double standards over the referendum issue.

Frank Hsieh Takes Tough Line on UN Bid, Cross-Strait Issues in Washington (Taipei Times, July 25, 2007) Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Frank Hsieh took a tough line on a number of issues that have found disfavor with the administration of US President George W. Bush on the eve of his talks with senior US officials. Hsieh said he could not promise to retain the "four noes" that President Chen Shui-bian enunciated in his two inaugural addresses.

Political Fallout Need Not Bother Chen: Analysts
(Taipei Times, July 24, 2007) This late in his term in office, the tactic of seeking compromise no longer plays a significant part as a way for President Chen Shui-bian to ensure the future of his political agenda, political observers said.

UN Referendum Brings U.S.-Taiwan Relations to a New Low By Bonnie S. Glaser (PacNet, Pacific Forum, CSIS, July 23, 2007) From the U.S. perspective, Chen’s initiative violates the spirit if not the letter of his “four no’s” pledge, enunciated in 2000 when Chen was inaugurated as Taiwan’s first DPP president. To many Americans, it seems that presidential politics is the driver and the impact on cross-Strait security is given little, if any, consideration.

Taiwan Leader Vows to Pursue Vote on Island's Name By Edward Cody (Washington Post, July 8, 2007) President Chen Shui-bian said Taiwan will press ahead with a controversial referendum on whether the self-ruled island should apply for U.N. membership under the name Taiwan, dismissing U.S. objections as appeasement of China. China and the United States have complained that the referendum, which would have little practical effect, in fact is designed to promote a change in the island's official name, from Republic of China to Taiwan. This, both governments charged, could be read as a unilateral change in the island's status.

Domestic Politics Seen as Key Factor in U.N. Bid
(Associated Press, July 7, 2007) Taiwan's annual bids to join the United Nations are usually low-key affairs. But this year the government is breaking the conservative mold, taking a series of high profile initiatives that analysts say are designed to help the chances of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party in the 2008 presidential elections.

Chen Not Ready to Take Political Back Seat
(Straits Times, May 21, 2007) Politics is just like a game of baseball, if you ask Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian. No one can predict the outcome until the very last minute, says the indomitable leader.