ass a referendum early next year on joining the United Nations to show it is a sovereign nation. The call by Frank Hsieh contrasts with the main opposition leader who has been campaigning heavily on closer economic ties with China.
Hsieh, of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, told a news conference he was concerned that Taiwan's sovereignty might suffer a setback if the island failed to pass the referendum in March on its latest bid for U.N. membership.
"The international community may think Taiwan does not want to become a country if we fail to pass the referendum," he said. "If that happens, winning the presidency would mean a lot less."
President Chen Shui-bian, who steps down in May after eight years as president, proposed earlier this year that a referendum be held asking the public whether the island should try to join the United Nations as "Taiwan," rather than using its official name, "Republic of China."
Taiwan and China split amid civil war in 1949. Taiwan was expelled from the United Nations in 1971. The seat Taiwan held under the name of Republic of China was then transferred to the Beijing-based government of People's Republic of China.
China continues to claim Taiwan as a part of its territory, and threatens to use force if the island moves to formalize its de facto independence.
Trying to join the world body as Taiwan would be a further step toward formal independence.
The DPP still needs to submit 800,000 signatures to authorities for the referendum to go ahead together with the presidential poll in March, but that is considered a formality.
Hsieh said once the referendum is put forward, "we cannot afford to fail (to pass it)."
Chen's presidency has antagonized China as he favors formal independence. He also rejects calls for direct trade and transportation links with the mainland, as he fears they could lead to eventual political integration.
While the DPP campaigns on a sovereignty platform, the main opposition Nationalists' presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou focuses on boosting Taiwan's economic links with China.
During a business forum Thursday, Ma said Taiwan should allow Chinese tourists to visit to boost revenue and create jobs, according to a press release from his campaign headquarters.
He also advocated direct transportation links with China to improve Taiwan's economy.
