Taiwan President Calls For Democracy in China

TAIPEI, Taiwan — President Ma urged China in his inaugural speech to move toward democracy and allow Taiwan a larger international role, testing his relationship with a government that claims sovereignty over the island.

"We hope that mainland China will continue to move toward freedom, democracy, and prosperity for all people," Mr. Ma said after being sworn in yesterday in Taipei. "Taiwan doesn't just want security and prosperity. It wants dignity." Mr. Ma's comments, which included a pledge to acquire more weaponry, triggered the largest decline in Taiwan's stock market since his election. He pledged during his campaign to open regular direct flights with China for the first time in six decades while his party chairman will meet with mainland leaders next week.