A mass running event in Taiwan to support Beijing’s bid to host the 2008 Olympic Games was protested Sunday by pro-independence activists.
The run in the southern port city of Kaohsiung, was the second stage of a 10-leg event sponsored by Taiwanese sports groups to back Beijing as host city for the 2008 Games.
Activists, mostly from the radical Taiwan Independence Party, shouted slogans at athletes as the run began. They shouted “one China, one Taiwan. One country on each side”.
The Taiwan Independence Party condemned the marathon, which it said was pushed ahead by “Chinese brokers in Taiwan”. In a statement, the party said, “it’s political implication was crystal clear. It was aimed to tell the world Taiwan is part of China”.
The first leg of the running event was held in Taipei on Saturday and joined by around 5,000 runners.
Independent lawmaker Tsai Hau, who also supports Beijing’s bid, said, “it would be a pride for all Chinese in the world if the 2008 Olympic Games can be held in Beijing”.
The pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party has also said it would be pleased to see China host the Games, despite the lingering tensions between Taipei and Beijing. Public opinion in Taiwan has generally favoured Beijing’s Olympic bid on the grounds success could guarantee peace in the Taiwan Straits in the coming years.
Proponents insisted Beijing, once authorized to host the Games, would rule out military action against the island, at least before 2008.
The running event will move on to Shenzhen in mainland China and seven other Chinese cities. It will end in Beijing at the end of this month.
