｜ Chapter 3 ｜ Protest: The Crucial 20 Days failed to receive concrete responses from the executive agency either time. The standoff lasted over 10 hours. Tired, wet, hungry, and worked up, the crowd lost their patience, becoming more and more anxious and agitated. Many people began destroying barbed wire fences and iron bars. In particular, those participating in the march also included the unstoppable force of the Taiwan Jianguo Union. A large propaganda car led by Chen Wan-chen joined the march like a chariot, creating an even more shocking visual impact. How to get the incensed crowd to disperse when all three demands were refused immediately became one of the toughest conundrums for DPP leaders. DPP officials took turns making speeches on the leading vehicle, trying to calm the crowd, but were unable to quell people’s anger. An emergency meeting was held in the leading vehicle. Everyone knew that whoever tried to convince the crowd to disperse was at risk of ending their political career. It wasn’t until 1:00 a.m. when Chen Shih-meng, who represented the academic circle in the commanding center of the march, was understanding of the DPP officials’ dilemma and boarded the leading vehicle to help resolve the deadlock. He advised the crowd to disperse for the time being and come back with full force at the October 10 military parade. As expected, Chen Shih-meng’s words September 8, 1991: The March for a Referendum to Rejoin the UN organized by the Referendum Promotion Association at the Taipei Soccer Stadium. Protesters demanded the release of political prisoners. Photographer: Hsu Po-hsin 90 91