Taiwan’s president reaffirms anti-nuclear stance at march

Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen, center, holding hands of children marches during an anti-nuclear demonstration in Taipei, Taiwan, Saturday, April 27, 2019. Tsai marched in the streets of Taipei along with hundreds of anti-nuclear protesters to show her determination to build a nuclear-free homeland. (Photo by CHIANG YING-YING / AP)

TAIPEI, Taiwan — Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen has reaffirmed her opposition to nuclear power before marching with anti-nuclear protesters.

Tsai said at a news conference Saturday that her administration was taking efforts to promote renewable energy sources and reduce the need for nuclear power.

She also vowed to reach her targets in reducing emissions from thermal power plants and retire nuclear power plants. She pledged she could do that without creating power shortages for Taiwan’s 23 million people.

Tsai then joined hundreds who marched through the streets of Taipei, the capital, beginning at the Presidential Office Building in the city’s center.

Tsai’s Democratic Progressive Party has long opposed nuclear power, particularly construction of the high-tech island’s fourth nuclear plant on the tip of the island, north of Taipei.

/atm