In Homage to 1958 Victims, Taiwan’s President Vows to Pursue Peace with China

Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou on Tuesday pledged to pursue peace with China as he paid homage to hundreds of people killed during a Chinese artillery attack over half a century ago.

Ma made the remark at a ceremony on the offshore island of Kinmen, where hundreds were killed in a 44-day Chinese artillery bombardment that began on August 23, 1958.

"We want to set up a peaceful environment for the next generation," Ma said on the island, which is located just a few kilometers from the mainland. "We hope peace will be sustained and war will never happen again."

In a symbolic move, Ma and several guests, including South Africa's former president Frederik Willem de Klerk, struck a "peace bell" made from Chinese shells left over from the bombardment 53 years ago.

The ceremony is part of a series of official events marking the centenary of the Republic of China, Taiwan's official name.

Ma, who is seeking reelection in polls set for January, faced criticism from political opponents who said the ceremony on Kinmen had clear ulterior motives.

"It's simply an election gimmick aimed at boosting his sagging popularity," said Chen Chi-mai, spokesman for the opposition's presidential candidate Tsai Ing-wen.

The 1958 bombardment of Kinmen killed 618 servicemen and civilians and wounded more than 2,600. As late as the 1970s, China still bombarded the island, although by then the shells were stuffed with propaganda leaflets.

Taiwan has governed itself since 1949 at the end of a civil war, but China still regards it as part of its territory awaiting reunification, by force if necessary.

Tensions have decreased since Ma's China-friendly Kuomintang government came to power in 2008 on a promise of beefing up trade links and allowing in more Chinese tourists.