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Taiwan shows off military might Taiwan shows off military might
(about 1 hour later)
Taiwan has marked its national day with a military parade for the first time in 16 years, in a show of strength apparently aimed at China.Taiwan has marked its national day with a military parade for the first time in 16 years, in a show of strength apparently aimed at China.
Fighter planes flew above the capital, Taipei, and 2,000 troops showed off military hardware through the city.Fighter planes flew above the capital, Taipei, and 2,000 troops showed off military hardware through the city.
President Chen Shui-bian used a speech to hit out at China's "relentless military build-up", and he pledged to make more efforts to join the UN.President Chen Shui-bian used a speech to hit out at China's "relentless military build-up", and he pledged to make more efforts to join the UN.
Despite being ruled separately since 1949, China views Taiwan as its land.Despite being ruled separately since 1949, China views Taiwan as its land.
Beijing has threatened to use force if Taiwan declares formal independence.Beijing has threatened to use force if Taiwan declares formal independence.
'Military intimidation''Military intimidation'
National day military displays were discontinued in 1991 as Taiwan sought to improve ties with China, and underline its own transition to democracy.National day military displays were discontinued in 1991 as Taiwan sought to improve ties with China, and underline its own transition to democracy.
The BBC's Caroline Gluck, in Taipei, said this parade was intended to signal to China that the island could defend itself if it ever came under attack.The BBC's Caroline Gluck, in Taipei, said this parade was intended to signal to China that the island could defend itself if it ever came under attack.
Two missiles developed in Taiwan - the Hsiung-feng III ship-to-ship missile and the Tien-kung III anti-tank ballistic missile - were unveiled during the parade. Two missiles developed in Taiwan - the Hsiung-feng III ship-to-ship missile and the Tien-kung III anti-tactical ballistic missile - were unveiled during the parade.
TAIWAN-CHINA RELATIONS Ruled by separate governments since end of Chinese civil war in 1949 China considers the island part of its territoryChina has offered a "one country, two systems" solution, like Hong KongMost people in Taiwan support status quo Taiwan flashpointTAIWAN-CHINA RELATIONS Ruled by separate governments since end of Chinese civil war in 1949 China considers the island part of its territoryChina has offered a "one country, two systems" solution, like Hong KongMost people in Taiwan support status quo Taiwan flashpoint
But the Hsiung-feng 2E, a long-range cruise missile believed capable of targeting the Chinese mainland, did not appear.But the Hsiung-feng 2E, a long-range cruise missile believed capable of targeting the Chinese mainland, did not appear.
Such a move would have been considered extremely provocative by China, our correspondent said.Such a move would have been considered extremely provocative by China, our correspondent said.
Ahead of the parade, Mr Chen labelled China's military build-up a threat to world peace.Ahead of the parade, Mr Chen labelled China's military build-up a threat to world peace.
He urged the international community to demand Beijing withdraw missiles along its coast which target Taiwan, and end its "ever more belligerent rhetoric and military intimidation".He urged the international community to demand Beijing withdraw missiles along its coast which target Taiwan, and end its "ever more belligerent rhetoric and military intimidation".
He also promised more efforts to secure Taiwan a seat at the United Nations - something China has consistently blocked.He also promised more efforts to secure Taiwan a seat at the United Nations - something China has consistently blocked.
"Our people have the right to demand appropriate representation in the United Nations," he said."Our people have the right to demand appropriate representation in the United Nations," he said.
Mr Chen wants to hold a national referendum on the issue in March, when presidential elections are scheduled to take place.Mr Chen wants to hold a national referendum on the issue in March, when presidential elections are scheduled to take place.