New party to reshape Taiwan politics

A new political party has been officially launched in Taiwan with the aim, it says, of reshaping the island's political landscape.

The Taiwan Solidarity Union -- the first party to have the word 'Taiwan' in its name -- has been established by politicians who stress Taiwan's distinct identity from China.

It's a stance which infuriates Beijing, which regards Taiwan as a renegade province.

The new party says it wants to help the ruling pro-independence DPP party of President Chen Shui-bian in parliamentary elections later this year.

The BBC Taiwan correspondent says the island's voters could face a clear choice between one bloc of parties seen as more pro-China, and another that stresses Taiwan's distinct status and favours independence.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service