Chen Shui-bian

Beijing has repeatedly accused the independence-minded leader of planning to break away from mainland China, and in the run-up to the inauguration said it would crush any moves by the island toward secession.

Unveiling proposals for constitutional reforms he plans to introduce in 2008, Chen ruled out any change to the status of Taiwan, which China regards as part of its territory to be re-unified by force if necessary.

"I am fully aware that consensus has yet to be reached on issues related to national sovereignty, territory and the subject of reunification and independence," Chen said.

"Such issues will not be included in the scope of constitutional reforms," he told a crowd of 200,000 people in Taipei's presidential square for the inauguration ceremony.

Chen further conceded that "any form of future relationship between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of China (Taiwan) should not be ruled out," including reunification.

The Japan Times Weekly: May 29, 2004
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