The two candidates appealed to voters during the second of three televised forums sponsored by the Central Election Commission. The third and final forum is scheduled for March 14.

The vice presidential candidates - KMT's Vincent Siew and DPP's Su Tseng-chang - will hold their debate on March 10.

In his statement, Hsieh said that he would not be a "passive president" but had a "great mission to defend Taiwan's sovereignty and the security, interests, dignity and health of the Taiwan people' and stated that greater political stability would allow the promotion of economic growth, a more just society and more equitable development.

In his statement, Ma rebutted charges by the DPP candidate about his call for a "common market" with the People's Republic of China and stated that if elected, his government would not allow a flood of laborers from the PRC or importation of agricultural produce or defective products from China.

Ma stated that his advocacy of a common market with the PRC manifested "activism" and said that he would promote free trade agreements with the United States, Japan, South Korea and the PRC to engage in "economic integration" with the world.

Ma stated that Hsieh would be unable to realize his policies as his "ruling party will be smaller and the opposition bigger" than the last eight years under President Chen Shui-bian and stated that it would be best "to elect Ma and Siew and allow the KMT to have complete rule and complete responsibility and if we do poorly, step down."

However, Hsieh countered that since he would allow a KMT politician such as KMT Legislative Yuan Speaker Wang Jin-pyng or KMT legislator P. K. Chiang to become premier to "respect the Legislative Yuan," "there would be no need for boycotts."

Hsieh also stated that new KMT legislators "have not avoided conflicts of interest in the financial and judicial affairs committees and KMT members with outstanding criminal cases are on the judicial affairs committee."