Protesters greet Taiwan president during brief visit

[icymist]

Saturday, September 04, 2004 - Page updated at 12:00 A.M.

Protesters greet Taiwan president during brief visit

By Kristi Heim
Seattle Times business reporter

Tensions between Taiwan and China landed on Seattle's doorstep last night when Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian visited Seattle under tight security, greeted by demonstrators both for and against Taiwan independence.

Chen's brief stop in Seattle was controversial because the U.S. government does not officially recognize Taiwan and puts strict limits on visits by Taiwan officials. China considers Taiwan a renegade province and opposes such visits as granting legitimacy to the Taiwan government.

Several dozen protesters gathered outside the Westin hotel downtown, carrying the flag of China and signs denouncing Taiwan independence.

On the other side of the street, a handful of students from Taiwan waved Taiwan's flag.

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It was his second visit to Seattle but the first time Chen took part in any activities. More than 400 people attended a dinner at the hotel for Chen; the local Taiwanese American community sponsored it. Among those on the attendance list were Seattle Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske, Seattle City Councilman Peter Steinbrueck, Pierce County Executive John Ladenburg and several state senators.

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