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517 Protest
517 Protest
517 Protest
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The 517 Protest (Chinese: 517 嗆馬大遊行)[1] was a protest that took place on 17 May 2009 in Taipei and Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The event vented anger at President Ma Ying-jeou for China-friendly policies that were seen as compromising Taiwan's sovereignty.[2]

Background

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The protest was led by the Pan-Green Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). The demonstrators wanted a referendum on the "Economic cooperation framework agreement" (ECFA). Some have been made uneasy by the improvement of cross-strait relations with China given China's goal of unification with Taiwan.[2] DPP also objects to the amendments that have been proposed to the Assembly and Parade Act, which the groups believes would restrict the right of people to assemble and put more power into the hands of authorities.[2]

Protest

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In both protests, in Taipei and Kaohsiung, protesters assembled in four groups to march separately to a common, central point.[3] The number of protesters involved varies by source, with organizers estimating 600,000 participants in Taipei and police less than 80,000.[3] Organizers estimated 150,000 to 200,000 participants, possibly more, in Kaohsiung, while police placed the number at 30,000.[2][3]

Two injuries were reported among men from Bade City, Taoyuan County who were struck by a police car, said to be driving very quickly, as they were crossing Hangchou South Road behind Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. 67-year-old Hsu was only slightly injured, but 59-year-old Chang required surgery for his critical injuries.[3]

The protest plan called for a 24-hour sit-in at the end of the marching in front of the Presidential Office to begin at 10:00 p.m. on Sunday. Although the sit-in was not registered, Taipei City Government declared that so long as traffic was not disrupted, it would be permitted.[3]

See also

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References

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517 Protest

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The 517 Protest (Chinese: 517嗆馬保臺大遊行), also known as the Anti-Ma Protect Taiwan March, was a major demonstration on May 17, 2009, in Taipei and Kaohsiung, Taiwan, organized by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and Taiwanese local groups against President Ma Ying-jeou's administration on the eve of his first anniversary in office. The protests highlighted opposition to Ma's perceived pro-China policies, including cross-strait economic initiatives like the proposed ECFA, alongside concerns over Taiwan's sovereignty, unemployment, and government incompetence. The event featured five brigades starting from different points in Taipei—led by prominent figures such as DPP Chair Tsai Ing-wen, former Vice President Annette Lu, and former Premier Su Tseng-chang—converging at Ketagalan Boulevard by late afternoon, followed by a 24-hour sit-in. Organizers reported around 600,000 participants in Taipei and 200,000 in Kaohsiung, though official estimates were significantly lower at tens of thousands. The four primary demands were to protect Taiwan through a referendum on ECFA, safeguard sovereignty against elite sell-outs, combat unemployment under an incompetent government, and shield vulnerable groups from a "one-China market." A fifth brigade emphasized independence and support for imprisoned former President Chen Shui-bian. Tensions escalated when a police car struck two protesters at high speed during the evening, causing one serious injury and prompting DPP calls for an investigation. The protests reflected broader public dissatisfaction with Ma's administration for prioritizing China ties over domestic promises, expanded police powers under the Assembly and Parade Act, and economic woes amid the global financial crisis.

Background

Political Context

Ma Ying-jeou of the Kuomintang (KMT) was inaugurated as President of the Republic of China on May 20, 2008, following his victory in the March 2008 presidential election, marking the KMT's return to power after eight years of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) rule. His administration emphasized economic revitalization and improved cross-strait relations with mainland China, contrasting with the more independence-leaning policies of his predecessor. By early 2009, as the one-year anniversary on May 20 approached, public discourse increasingly highlighted tensions over these shifts. Ma's cross-strait initiatives, including diplomatic pauses on Taiwan's international engagements and economic dialogues, were viewed by critics as overly conciliatory toward Beijing, potentially compromising Taiwan's sovereignty. These policies facilitated resumed direct flights and tourism exchanges but drew accusations of a "tilt toward China" from opposition groups concerned about long-term implications for Taiwan's autonomy. Amendments to the Assembly and Parade Act proposed by Ma's cabinet in early 2009, requiring advance notification for protests, sparked fears of expanded police authority and curbs on freedom of assembly, echoing historical uses of the law to restrict demonstrations. Additionally, allegations surfaced that the administration had not fulfilled key pre-election pledges, such as judicial reforms and , fueling broader discontent amid economic slowdowns.

Grievances Against Ma Administration

Protesters expressed concerns over job losses and economic stagnation, attributing these issues to the Ma administration's pro-China policies, particularly the anticipated Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) with mainland China, which they feared would flood Taiwan's markets and exacerbate unemployment without adequate safeguards. A core grievance was the perceived sell-out of Taiwan's sovereignty by political elites through closer cross-strait economic ties, viewed as prioritizing elite interests over national autonomy and potentially leading to undue Chinese influence. Critics highlighted the government's inadequate support for vulnerable populations, including low-income groups and the elderly, amid rising living costs and opposition to integrating into a "one-China market" that they argued would undermine social protections. Overall dissatisfaction stemmed from the administration's failure to address governance shortcomings, including unfulfilled pre-election commitments on economic revitalization and domestic policy reforms, fueling accusations of incompetence under President Ma Ying-jeou and Premier Liu Chao-shiuan.

Organization

Key Organizers and Leaders

The 517 Protest was organized by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and various Taiwanese local groups, who coordinated the demonstrations in Taipei and Kaohsiung to oppose the Ma Ying-jeou administration's policies. The event featured four main brigades in Taipei, each led by key DPP figures: former Vice President Lu Hsiu-lien headed the Sovereignty Brigade; former Premier Hsieh Chang-ting led the Save Unemployment Brigade; DPP Chair Tsai Ing-wen directed the Protect Taiwan Brigade; and former Premier Su Tseng-chang commanded the Protect the Weak Brigade. A fifth brigade, emphasizing independence, nation-building, and support for former President Chen Shui-bian, was led by Tsai Ding-gui, former chairman of the Taiwan Association of University Professors, and converged with the others at Ketagalan Boulevard.

Main Demands

The protesters articulated four primary demands that encapsulated their opposition to President Ma Ying-jeou's administration, particularly its perceived pro-China tilt in , including the proposed Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA). These demands emphasized safeguarding Taiwan's autonomy and addressing domestic economic woes, with a central call for a public referendum on ECFA to ensure democratic oversight of policies seen as risking sovereignty. The first demand, "Protect Taiwan, hold a referendum on ECFA," highlighted fears that closer economic integration with China would undermine Taiwan's independence without public input, framing ECFA as a potential gateway to a "one-China market." The second, "Safeguard sovereignty, reject the elites selling out Taiwan," accused the government of prioritizing elite interests over national integrity in dealings with Beijing. The third demand, "Save jobs, oppose the incompetent government," criticized Ma's handling of unemployment and economic stagnation, attributing these to misguided policies favoring China. Finally, "Protect the vulnerable, oppose the one-China market," sought protections for workers, farmers, and disadvantaged groups against the anticipated disruptions from expanded trade with China.

Event Details

March Routes and Brigades

The 517 Protest in Taipei was structured around five brigades, each assembling at separate starting points before marching during the daytime and converging at Ketagalan Boulevard around 5:00 PM. This logistical setup allowed for coordinated movement across the city, emphasizing the event's thematic demands through distinct routes. The Sovereignty Brigade departed from the Ting Hao commercial area, while the Save Unemployment Brigade started at Zhongshan Soccer Stadium; the former was led by former Vice President Lu Hsiu-lien, and the latter by former Premier Hsieh Chang-ting. Complementing these, the Protect Taiwan Brigade gathered at National Taiwan University under DPP Chair Tsai Ing-wen, the Protect the Weak Brigade from Wanhua Station led by former Premier Su Tseng-chang, and the Independence, Nation-Building, Support Bian Brigade from Banqiao Station headed by former Taiwan Association of University Professors chairman Tsai Ding-gui. Simultaneous demonstrations took place in Kaohsiung, mirroring the Taipei format to amplify opposition across Taiwan.

Attendance Claims

Organizers of the 517 Protest claimed approximately 600,000 participants in Taipei and 200,000 in Kaohsiung, totaling 800,000 across both cities. These attendance figures were promoted by the Democratic Progressive Party and allied groups to underscore the breadth of opposition to the Ma administration's policies. Media reports, including those from Liberty Times as referenced in contemporary coverage, amplified the claims with headlines such as "800,000 Chant Against Ma, Oppose Tilting Toward China," framing the event as a massive public rebuke.

Incidents and Response

Police Car Collision

During the 517 Protest on May 17, 2009, two elderly protesters from Taoyuan County, Chang Chung-hsiung (68) and Hsu Jen-shan (67), were struck by a police patrol car driven by Officer Lin Chien-chih while crossing Hangzhou South Road near Xinyi Road in Taipei. The incident occurred in the evening, with witnesses estimating the vehicle's speed at least 80 km/h, higher than the driver's claim of 30-40 km/h. Chang sustained severe injuries including a brain hemorrhage, chest trauma, and a fractured leg, leading to surgery and eventual amputation of his lower left leg; he remained in critical condition in intensive care. Hsu suffered a broken hip joint and head bruises, requiring surgery but classified as a minor injury overall. Prosecutors' investigation revealed that Lin did not apply the brakes before impact, and cellphone records indicated he may have been on a call around the time of the crash. Lin was charged with negligent injury, released on NT$100,000 bail, and later disciplined with a major demerit by Taipei police, who described the event as an unintentional traffic accident.

Immediate Aftermath

Following the conclusion of the daytime march, protesters launched a 24-hour sit-in on Ketagalan Boulevard starting at 10:00 PM, transitioning the demonstration into an overnight vigil outside the Presidential Office. Democratic Progressive Party leaders, including Chair Tsai Ing-wen, former Premier Su Tseng-chang, and former Premier Hsieh Chang-ting, arrived at the site to address the crowd during the evening rally, encouraging sustained participation in the cross-night action. This immediate extension of the protest underscored organizers' intent to maintain pressure on the Ma administration amid reports of high attendance and the earlier police car collision that injured participants.

Legacy

Political Impact

The 517 Protest intensified political opposition to President Ma Ying-jeou's administration by spotlighting dissatisfaction with its cross-strait policies. Organized primarily by the DPP, the event drew participation from party leaders and aligned groups, reinforcing the party's role in channeling public discontent amid Ma's first year in office. It contributed to heightened scrutiny of the proposed Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) with China, as demonstrators demanded a referendum to safeguard Taiwan's economic autonomy and sovereignty, fueling partisan debates on the risks of deepened integration. This mobilization underscored broader resistance to policies viewed as eroding Taiwan's distinct identity, galvanizing civic engagement against sovereignty concerns in subsequent political discourse.

Broader Significance

The 517 Protest underscored the robust role of Taiwan's civil society in scrutinizing and asserting amid concerns over sovereignty erosion. By mobilizing diverse groups to challenge perceived concessions to China, it highlighted how grassroots activism serves as a counterbalance to governmental policies, reinforcing democratic mechanisms for public dissent. This event established a template for future mass demonstrations against pro-China orientations, paving the way for intensified civic resistance in the years that followed, including occupations and rallies that amplified anti-unification sentiments.

References

  1. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2009-05-17/taiwanese-march-against-china-friendly-policies/1685496
  2. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2009/5/17/taiwan-rally-opposes-china-ties
  3. https://www.dpp.org.tw/news/contents/2988
  4. https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/politics/breakingnews/218353
  5. https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2009/05/19/2003443970
  6. https://english.president.gov.tw/NEWS/3887
  7. https://www.csis.org/analysis/building-trust-across-taiwan-strait
  8. https://www.brookings.edu/articles/cross-strait-relations-improve-china-still-deploys-missiles/
  9. https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2009/02/03/2003435153
  10. https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2009/04/28/2003442197
  11. https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2009/05/18/2003443919
  12. https://www.ntdtv.com/gb/2009/05/17/a296261.html
  13. https://zh.wikinews.org/zh-hant/%E5%8F%B0%E7%81%A3%E3%80%8C517%E5%97%86%E9%A6%AC%E4%BF%9D%E5%8F%B0%E5%A4%A7%E9%81%8A%E8%A1%8C%E3%80%8D%E6%96%BC%E5%8F%B0%E5%8C%97%E5%92%8C%E9%AB%98%E9%9B%84%E8%88%89%E8%A1%8C
  14. https://news.pts.org.tw/article/116919
  15. https://www.peopo.org/news/32998
  16. https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/politics/breakingnews/216808
  17. https://news.tvbs.com.tw/life/130756
  18. https://www.dpp.org.tw/media/contents/2881
  19. https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/focus/paper/303233
  20. https://www.setn.com/m/news.aspx?newsid=1470280
  21. https://www.epochtimes.com/b5/9/5/18/n2529762.htm
  22. https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/society/breakingnews/216739
  23. https://www.epochtimes.com/b5/9/5/19/n2531677.htm
  24. https://www.ntdtv.com/gb/2009/05/17/a296265.html
  25. https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2009/05/19/2003443991
  26. https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/politics/breakingnews/216473
  27. https://mytaiwan.hu/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Palyamunka_Rencz_Flora_Javitott.pdf
  28. https://www.dpp.org.tw/media/contents/2895
  29. http://hanlu.com.tw/ezfiles/hanlu/download/attach/6/%A8%E2%A9%A4%B6T%A9%F6%B8g%C0%D9%A1GECFA%BBP%A5%FE%B2y%A4%C6%AA%BA%B2z%BD%D7%B9%EA%B0%C8-%B2%C43%B3%B9%B8%D5%C5%AA%A5%BB.pdf
  30. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/316527675_The_Sunflower_Movement_and_the_Taiwanese_National_Identity_Building_an_Anti-Sinoist_Civic_Nationalism
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