Taipei  - Officials of the detention centre holding Taiwan's ex-president Chen Shui-bian said they would resort to force feeding if he does not end his hunger strike, according to press reports.

Chen began his fast Wednesday morning after he was after he was taken to the Taipei Penitentiary on charges of embezzlement, and his health has begun to suffer, cable TV channel CTI reported.

"Chen has pain in the left side of his chest, has stomach ache and feels nauseous, but his blood pressure and pulse are normal," Lee Ta-chu, deputy director of the detention centre, said.

The CTI report said officials were planning to force feed him through intravenous injection or send him to a hospital Sunday if refused to take nutrition.

Chen, who ended his second four-year presidential term in May, was detained Wednesday morning on suspicion of embezzling millions of US dollars under the pretext of using the money as a "secret diplomatic fund" to launch or strengthen ties with foreign countries.

In a statement released from the prison, he accused President Ma Ying-jeou, from the China-friendly Chinese Nationalist Party, of persecuting him because he supports Taiwan independence.

Chen's mother, wife and his lawyer have urged him to eat food, but he refused and only drinks water. He pledged to give his life for the island's sovereignty.

Prosecutors said Chen could face at least five charges with a total jail term of 30 years. He could be detained for several months before standing trial. (dpa)