China says Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian's recent so-called "inaugural" speech did not sincerely reflect his true intentions. The spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council Zhang Mingqing says Chen used ambiguous words to hide his veiled aim of "Taiwan independence." But China's stance on the Taiwan issue remains steadfast, and the reunification of the Chinese mainland and Taiwan Island will not be sidetracked or delayed by Chen or anybody else, Zhang stressed.

During a special press conference on Monday morning, Zhang said that the "One China" principle is at the core of peaceful Cross-Straits relations. But Chen Shui-bian's remarks during his so-called "inaugural" speech attempted to disguise his refusal to accept the "One China" principle. The spokesman noted that Chen also repeated his intention of producing "a new version" of the so-called "Taiwan Constitution" by 2008 -- a veiled but highly dangerous and ill-advised attempt to move a step closer toward "Taiwan independence". Zhang stresses that by not giving up Chen's separatism intentions -- the root of the problem still exists in Cross-Straits relations.

(CCTV.com May 24, 2004)