The first ever direct Presidential election in Taiwan was held on March 23, 1996. In an attempt to intimidate Taiwan and destabilize the election, China conducted missile tests and concurrent joint military exercises close to Taiwan from March 8 through 25. At 6:00 am, March 6 (5:00 pm EST, March 5), 1996, Beijing announced it will stage guided-missile tests 35 KM (22 miles) and 51 KM (32 miles) off Taiwan from March 8 to 15. The test areas were close to two major seaports of Taiwan. 24 hours later, this protest web site was set up and announced.

You can send your protest to Chinese President Jiang, Zemin and PRC embassy in your area. Send your appeal for support to Security Council members in the United Nations, US President and Congressmen (a few suggestions from the Senate Webmaster), and policy makers in your country. If you are not a constituent in your area now, share your views with your local friends, teachers, and ask for their support in wrinting to express their concerns.

With the development of democracy, along with its mixed cultures of natives and early/late Chinese immigrants, Taiwan has become significantly different from China. While few denies the past ethnic, linguistic, and historical ties often (over-simplified) argued by China, the totalitarian country and its people keep missing the points of the overwhelming needs for democracy and freedom by people in Taiwan.

Taiwan has departed from 1949 long ago, but China seems not. The belligerent act again reminds us that China has yet to learn the art of negotiation and the value of peace. It is time to educate Chinese democracy and humanity, by standing up to them.