Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian survived an assassination attempt today while campaigning on the eve of a presidential election.
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Taiwan's President Chen Shui-bian survived an assassination attempt today while campaigning on the eve of a presidential election, escaping with a bullet wound to the stomach.
Vice President Annette Lu was also wounded in the attack in the southern city of Tainan but was not badly hurt, officials said. The pair were rushed to hospital, but they later flew back to the capital.
Officials said tomorrow's election would go ahead as planned.
Mr Chen delivered a brief late-night address to the nation, assuring his people he was well and they were secure. "Please put your hearts at ease. We have activated the national security mechanism. The security of Taiwan has no problems," he said.
Mr Chen and Ms Lu had been travelling through Tainan streets in a red open-top jeep, waving to crowds, when unknown assailants shot at them. Police said they believed two standard handguns had been used and at least two shots fired.
Police said they believed two assailants took part and later offered a T$3 million (US$90,000) reward for information leading to their capture.
Mr Chen was rushed to hospital in Tainan, his home town, where he received 14 stitches in wound. Television reports said the 54-year-old president was able to walk into the hospital for treatment. Ms Lu (59), was hit in the right leg and slightly hurt.
It was unclear if the attack would affect the election outcome. Analysts said most voters had already made their choice based on policy and were unlikely to be swayed by emotion now.
Officials had voiced worries that hardcore supporters of Mr Chen, leader of the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), might cause violence at final evening election rallies. Both the DPP and the opposition Nationalists called off campaigning after the shooting.
Although Mr Chen advocates independence, his main opponent, Mr Lien Chan, favours a conciliatory approach to China and is regarded as a narrow favourite. Their close battle could be decided by just a few hundred thousand votes out of 16.5 million.