Taiwan's leader receives award amid protests
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Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian, center, receives the International League for Human Rights award, Friday in New York.
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NEW YORK (AP) -- Taiwan's leader took his campaign for a new constitution to New York, as Taiwanese media widely reported protests by Beijing supporters against his visit.
During a speech Friday, President Chen Shui-bian described his campaign for a new constitution as an effort to increase government efficiency.
"A lot depends on whether we can consolidate our democracy by rectifying inadequacies in our constitutional framework," Chen said at a ceremony to accept the International League for Human Rights' annual Human Rights Award.
Taiwan's current constitution was approved more than five decades ago, when the former ruling Nationalist Party governed both the mainland and Taiwan.
Chen's promise of a new constitution in 2006, first made last September, has caused concern because it could raise tension with China.
Beijing has assumed Chen wants to dump Taiwan's official name, Republic of China, and enshrine the island's independence from China.
Although Beijing says it is Taiwan's legitimate ruler, the self-governed, democratic island has rejected that claim. Beijing has threatened to attack if Taiwan refuses to unify eventually.
Taiwanese media Saturday paid considerable attention to groups of Chinese protesters showing up outside Chen's hotel in New York and outside the award ceremony to support Beijing's claims.
People waving large Chinese flags loudly expressed their disapproval of Chen, shouting "Down with Taiwan independence."
Chen won't meet with U.S. President George W. Bush or other high-ranking officials during his private visit to the United States. Washington cut official ties with Taiwan in 1979 and diplomatically recognized China.
Chen leaves Sunday for Panama to attend its centenary celebrations.
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