TAIPEI - TAIWAN'S opposition leader Tsai Ing-wen on Friday announced she intended to run in next year's presidential election, pledging to make the island 'its own master'.
Ms Tsai, chairman of the main opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), is tipped to challenge Beijing-friendly President Ma Ying-jeou who is widely expected to run for a second term.
'Young people don't understand why (the government) gives up the democracy and freedom we fought so hard for,' said Ms Tsai, whose party favours Taiwan's independence from China.
'I hear Taiwan's voice saying Taiwan wants to be its own master... I will shoulder the responsibility of the future to win Taiwan back.' Ms Tsai, 54, became DPP chief in 2008 following its humiliating defeat in presidential polls and has since led the party to victory in several regional elections.
China and Taiwan have been governed separately since the end of a civil war in 1949 but Beijing still sees the island as part of its territory awaiting reunification, by force if necessary.
Ties between Taiwan and China were strained under the former DPP government but have improved markedly since Mr Ma took office in 2008 promoting trade and tourism with the mainland. -- AFP
