Pledge contradicts earlier vow not to alter island's status
Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian has vowed to use the name 'Taiwan' to push the island's case for joining the United Nations, a move certain to further infuriate the mainland and cause concern in the United States.
His pledge, made just ahead of next month's Legislative Yuan elections, contradicts his earlier promises not to try to change the island's status.
Under the UN charter, only an independent state is allowed to join the world body.
Mr Chen told a campaign rally late on Sunday night that he would push for the use of the name 'Taiwan' to join the UN if his Democratic Progressive Party was able to secure a legislative majority in the December 11 election.
He declared that it was wrong for the island to continue to use its official title, 'Republic of China', when applying to join the UN, which ousted Taipei to admit Beijing in 1971.
