Taiwanese Referendum Plan a Risky Attention-Getter

Taiwanese President Chen Shui-Bian has reiterated his plans to hold a national referendum on the construction of a nuclear power plant and on Taiwan's observer status in the World Health Organization, despite opposition from the United States and political forces in Taiwan. Chen's decision to flirt with danger by holding the referendum reflects his insecurity in the upcoming presidential elections and an attempt to regain Washington's attention — something he apparently has done.