Tens of thousands of Taiwanese marched in the southern port city of Kaohsiung in support of the governing party's plan to hold a referendum on UN membership.

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Police said about 100,000 people joined the march, but organisers - including the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) said close to 300,000 marched.

Independence-leaning President Chen Shui-bian (centre) and Vice President Annette Lu (right) back the referendum, which Beijing vehemently opposes.

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Mainland China considers Taiwan a part of its territory and opposes a separate UN seat or any other symbol of independence for the island.

Supporters of the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party held their own march in Taichung, in central Taiwan.

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The KMT's candidate for next March's presidential elections, Ma Ying-jeou (centre), also wants Taiwan to join the UN, but under its official name, the Republic of China.

The KMT also wants a referendum on the issue. This man's hat says: "Return to the United Nations" and displays the KMT emblem.

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I wonder why Mainland China wants taiwan for a territory. They are already over populated as it is. Sincerely I have no opinion on islands that are under US territory unless they are recieving state welfare like puerto rico. If I dont live there and I dont pay taxes that go to that place.. why shouldnt it be its own country?

I hope Taiwan gets into the UN!

Mia, you know how Chinese love to "save face" and this is why the Chinese will never let go of the conflict that dates back to the 1940s between Mao and Chiang.

Taiwan (back then China, under Chiang) had a seat in the UN until 1971, when they were kicked out and replaced by the People's Republic. Chiang had a chance to stay in the UN as Taiwan (which he should have done and we wouldn't be having this discussion) but he wanted to represent the entire China and he lost.

Taiwan is going through some tremendous changes in the past 10 years, including getting rid of the brutal KMT regime, who killed many Taiwanese when they fled to the island in 1949 after losing the war. Taiwan is the largest country in the world NOT in the UN. Taiwan meets all of the qualifications for membership but everyone in the UN is afraid to piss China off, including the "mighty" United States.

Taiwan has been a good "global citizen" while China uses its veto power in the UN to manipulate other countries to turn against Taiwan in all arenas, including denial of membership to WHO (World Health Organization). As a result, the international doctors could not step onto Taiwan to treat or help stopping the spread of disease.

There are only about 24 countries who recognize Taiwan as a country, mostly impoverished Latin American and African countries. This means when Taiwanese travel overseas, they often get mis-labeled. For example, Japan would not let my friend in unless they stamp his passport saying that he's from China. Taiwan cannot use its flag or national anthem in sporting events, resulting in a confusing name of "Chinese Taipei".

Taiwan needs to be admitted into the UN and not be treated like 2nd class citizens. Right now, it's impossible because China has veto rights but unless Taiwan keeps trying, the world will forget about Taiwan. Our president is right when he describe the UN process like knocking on a door. Keep knocking and someday it'll be answered. I hope it comes sooner than later.

Okay, enough rant for now.