Taiwan's ruling party chief announces presidential bid - Yahoo! News

Taiwan's ruling party chief announces presidential bid - Yahoo! News: "TAIPEI (AFP) - Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party chairman Yu Shyi-kun, a radical independence activist, announced Thursday he will seek the party's nomination for 2008 presidential polls. 'I believe I'm the capable person to help Taiwan solve problems and stride forward. Therefore I come back to my birthplace to solemnly announce to fellow countrymen that I want to participate in the DPP's primary vote,' Yu said, while visiting a temple in northeastern Yilan county. 'Please give me your support,' Yu added, to thunderous applause from supporters. Yu renewed his pledge to 'insist on Taiwan's sovereignty' in dealing with Beijing, an apparent gesture to appeal to independence supporters which make up about 18 percent of the eligible vote. China has regarded Taiwan as part of its territory awaiting to be reunified, by force if necessary, since their split in 1949 at the end of a civil war."