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Pro-Taiwan groups remain divided over whether the Nationalist flag should be hoisted during the Double Tenth celebration this year.

 Tung Chee-hwa was also said to be undecided whether to legislate against the Nationalist flag being flown in October.

 A senior official said administrative measures would be an option in tackling the problem.

 'If flags are hoisted in public, then they have to be approved by the Lands Department and relevant authorities,' the official said.

 The Nationalists' blue flag, with a white sun on a red patch, usually springs up overnight along Nathan Road and in places such as Sai Kung, Aberdeen and Jardine's Lookout.

 Lee Kwok-keung, Chief Secretary of the Hong Kong and Kowloon Trade Union Council, which holds celebrations on Taiwan's National Day, October 10, said flags featuring the plum blossom could be an alternative.

 China Airlines last year replaced the Taiwan flag motif on its planes with the blossom.

 'There is the view that we should respect the first SAR Government and consider the sensitivity of flying the flag,' Mr Lee said. 'We may consider other objects to symbolise Taiwan.'  He was pessimistic about whether the Taiwanese flag would fly at the council's celebrations.

 'Of course, I personally hope that the flag can still go up,' Mr Lee said. 'But since July 1, we feel like we're living in somebody else's place. Although it is a Chinese community, we are ruled by a sovereign power we don't support.'  He said some member groups had already abandoned hoisting the Taiwanese Nationalist flag at their offices.

 The Chief Executive said on Thursday that the fundamental issue was the 'one country' principle and hinted the administration would carefully study the matter to decide whether Taiwanese flags could be hoisted.

 The Trade Union Council had traditionally set up a statue of Dr Sun Yat-sen and flown the Taiwanese flag at the celebration venue and along Nathan Road. They also sang the Taiwanese national anthem.

 Mr Lee said the council was not sure whether the same format could be followed this year, but that details should be finalised by the middle of next month.

 Dick Tse Yee-fong of the pro-Taiwan 123 Democratic Alliance said the SAR Government should respect all traditions in Hong Kong, including the festivals of pro-Taiwan individuals and groups.

 'Some people may just think the 1911 Revolution was a memorable event and have a tradition to celebrate it,' Mr Tse said. 'We will continue to do what we have been doing. If we abandon our traditions before they are banned, it would be like fleeing before your enemies have fired.'  He said the alliance might write to Mr Tung urging the Government to preserve all traditions.



Pro-Taiwan groups in flap over flying Nationalist flag