Groups Sponsor Pro-Democracy Demonstration

More than 100 people gathered on the steps of Memorial Church yesterday to voice their support for Taiwan's democracy.

Amid chants of "Support democracy!" and "Stop China now!", demonstrators distributed fliers condemning what they called China's current policy of aggression and they collected signatures to solicit U.S. support of Taiwan.

The rally was sponsored by a coalition of campus groups, including the Republic of China Students Club, the Taiwan Society Club and the Taiwanese Cultural Society (TCS), but attracted attendees from across the Greater Boston area, according to one of the protesters.

"The rally is a movement in the right direction," said demonstrator Angela Wei-An Pan'97. "It means a lot to see so many people [from] outside of Harvard such as Emerson, Boston University and the New England Conservatory at the rally."

During the past month, the Chinese government has conducted a series of tests in which they have fired three guided missiles into the strait of Taiwan. Protesters said they believe the missiles are intended to intimidate prospective voters in Taiwan's March 23 elections.

"TCS feels very strongly about this issue and we just wanted student concern voiced at this rally," said Stephen Lui'97, co-president of TCS.

Yesterday's rally began at the steps of Memorial Church to the strains of John Lennon's "We Shall Overcome."

A series of speeches by students and faculty followed. The group then marched from Memorial Church around the Yard.

The protesters paused in front of President Neil L. Rudenstine's Massachusetts Hall office and then Widener Library, where additional speakers made brief remarks.

One speaker, Philip A. Fisher, a graduate student in physics, entreated his "Pacific brothers on both sides of the strait not to raise their fists at each other."

Fisher said that the majority of Taiwanese still consider themselves Chinese and support reunification, but that reunification should be on Taiwanese terms.

"Taiwan has come of age and deserves the right to decide its future," he said.

Lee Tun-Hou, associate professor of virology at the school of public health, said China opposes the upcoming elections because of the possible ramifications.

"China fears the precedent this election will set," said Lee. "Coercion and intimidation by China will not bring Taiwan to its knees. Military action will only foster more anti-China sentiment."

Citing China's interference with his Tibetan religion, Lobsang Sangay, a law student and a member of the Tibetan Youth Congress, also pledged his support of Taiwan.

"The time has come for all of us to unite and fight against China," Sangay said.

Another student expressed her hope that increased awareness of China's treatment of Taiwan will help stimulate interest in China's internal policies.

"I hope that what's happening in Taiwan will draw attention to the human rights situation in China," said Karin L. Riley '95-'96, co-founder of the Tibetan Awareness Group.

Representatives of the Taipei Economic Cultural Office also attended the event

Fisher said that the majority of Taiwanese still consider themselves Chinese and support reunification, but that reunification should be on Taiwanese terms.

"Taiwan has come of age and deserves the right to decide its future," he said.

Lee Tun-Hou, associate professor of virology at the school of public health, said China opposes the upcoming elections because of the possible ramifications.

"China fears the precedent this election will set," said Lee. "Coercion and intimidation by China will not bring Taiwan to its knees. Military action will only foster more anti-China sentiment."

Citing China's interference with his Tibetan religion, Lobsang Sangay, a law student and a member of the Tibetan Youth Congress, also pledged his support of Taiwan.

"The time has come for all of us to unite and fight against China," Sangay said.

Another student expressed her hope that increased awareness of China's treatment of Taiwan will help stimulate interest in China's internal policies.

"I hope that what's happening in Taiwan will draw attention to the human rights situation in China," said Karin L. Riley '95-'96, co-founder of the Tibetan Awareness Group.

Representatives of the Taipei Economic Cultural Office also attended the event