Longtime Chen ally pushes for ouster

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A well-known political prisoner from the days of martial law is leading a high-profile campaign to oust Chen Shui-bian, president of the Republic of China (Taiwan), before his term expires in 2008.

Shih Ming-teh is urging his longtime ally to resign over a series of corruption scandals involving several of Mr. Chen's close relatives, including a son-in-law, who reportedly profited by purchasing stocks with inside information.

"For the sake of Taiwan and the [Democratic Progressive Party], I urge Chen to step down bravely. Only a truly brave warrior admits his mistakes and gives up what he holds dear," Mr. Shih wrote in a letter earlier this month.

The Democratic Progressive Party has held the presidency since Mr. Chen's election in 2000. Both Mr. Shih and Mr. Chen are longtime stalwarts of the party, which was illegal until the late 1980s.

Mr. Chen initially sought a meeting with Mr. Shih to resolve their differences, but Mr. Chen and his staff lately have declined to comment on the campaign.

Mr. Shih, who spent 25 years in prison, is regarded by some as the Nelson Mandela of Taiwan's transition to democracy. He vows to lead a sit-in outside the presidential office in Taipei until Mr. Chen leaves office. The protest is to begin Sept. 9.

"The movement will have the strength to push Taiwan forward," said Wang Sheng-hei, an official with Mr. Shih's campaign.

Mr. Wang stressed that supporters of the campaign are not political activists and condemn any act of violence.

The United States is Taiwan's main arms supplier and its main backer in a standoff with mainland China, which claims sovereignty over the island.

The domestic political dispute in Taiwan is mainly philosophical, said John Tkacik, a researcher in Asian studies at the Heritage Foundation.

"It is unhealthy for democracy and does no good to anybody in Taiwan to force out an elected president," Mr. Tkacik said.

Andrew Yang, secretary-general of the Chinese Council of Advanced Policy Studies in Taipei, said he doubted domestic politics will affect U.S.-Taiwanese relations.

"The U.S. government will pay close attention to whether the sit-in rally is affecting peace and stability in domestic society, and whether government is firmly in control over the situation, which is vitally important to sustain status-quo formula in maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait," Mr. Yang said.

Emile Sheng, a professor at Soochow University in Taiwan and a spokesman for Mr. Shih's campaign, said he does not expect China to take any public position on the protest.

"On the one hand, they would love to see their longtime nemesis, President Chen, ousted," he said. "On the other hand, they would also fear the public opinion strength demonstrated against governmental corruption, a crucial issue in China."