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Security tightened in Taipei ahead of rally

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Taiwan has tightened security bracing for an expected turnout of 1 million people on the streets of Taipei today to protest against the mainland's Anti-Secession Law to rein in pro-independence forces on the island.

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A police force of 30,000 - almost half of the island's total - has been mobilised to maintain law and order and protect government leaders taking part in the rally.

Leaders expected at the rally include Taiwan's President Chen Shui-bian, who says he will bring his whole family, Vice-President Annette Lu Hsiu-lien and Premier Frank Hsieh Chang-ting.

The leaders' participation has prompted the authorities to boost security required for the four-hour march, expected to be the largest demonstration held in a city in Taiwan.

Mindful of the election-eve shooting of Mr Chen and Ms Lu during last year's presidential campaigning, a 500-strong security force will be deployed today to form a three-layer human shield to protect the president and the first family.

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A security source said Mr Chen and his wife, son, daughter and two grandchildren would be asked to wear bullet-proof vests.

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