China relations in focus before Taiwan elections

By Ralph Jennings

TAIPEI (Reuters) - Taiwan's stormy relations with China and violence in Tibet are dominating the final hours before the island's presidential election on Saturday, as each side seeks to show it is best qualified to resist Beijing.

Ruling Democratic Progressive Party candidate Frank Hsieh, who has trailed in media polls, has pushed a message that to vote for the more China-friendly Nationalist Party (KMT) candidate Ma Ying-jeou could make Taiwan "a second Tibet".

China has claimed self-ruled Taiwan as its territory since the end of the Chinese civil war in 1949 and pledged to bring the island under its rule, by force if necessary. China sent its troops into Tibet, rocked by anti-China rioting, in 1950.

Not to be left out, Ma criticised remarks by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, who offered peace talks this week, calling Wen's comments "arrogant, absurd and self-righteous".

Ma suggested Beijing Olympic boycott if violence in Tibet continued, though he has disputed Hsieh's message that Taiwan could become another Tibet.

"I think they both try to present the image they are tough on China," said Alexander Huang, professor of strategic studies at Tamkang University in Taiwan. "My hunch is that both sides will be very tough on China."

Each has graced candlelit vigils alongside robed monks and local Tibetans for those believed killed by soldiers or police in Tibetan areas of China since protests began on March 10.

But Ma's party advocates eventual unification with China, while Hsieh's seeks independence.