Chen rejects Taiwan-China reunification

Chen pictured holding a gun during a protest against the leader's August 3 'each side is a country' comments

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- President Chen Shui-bian has once again rejected China's terms for reunification, saying the self-ruled island would never give up its freedom, democracy or human rights.

Speaking on the deck of a warship Monday to rev up Taiwan's military for Armed Forces Day, Chen called on the armed forces to fight for Taiwan's survival and development.

"Whoever tries to invade Taiwan, Penghu, Quemoy and Matsu, whoever wants to eliminate the Republic of China is our enemy," Chen said, using Taiwan's official title and referring to its main islands.

Chen did not repeat his contentious comments from last month urging an independence referendum and describing China and Taiwan as two separate countries, but Monday's remarks were a clear reference to Beijing.

Since their split in 1949 following a civil war, Beijing has regarded Taiwan as a renegade province and has indicated that any move by Taipei towards independence would be met with force.

However, in his address, Chen said that Taiwan's sovereignty could not be denied.

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"Despite our repeated goodwill to seek reconciliation, cooperation and peace on both sides of the [Taiwan] Strait, the other side shows no respect for the feelings of the Taiwan people and rudely forces Taiwan to accept communist China's 'one China' and 'one country, two systems'," Chen said.

"I believe no one is willing to give up taking the road of freedom, democracy, and human rights. The 23 million Taiwan people should continue to insist on walking their own path."

'One China, two systems'

China has tried to woo Taiwan under the 'one China, two systems' formula already in use in former European colonies Hong Kong and Macau.

"To communist China, insisting on our country's sovereignty and dignity and seeking recognition from the international community are moves advocating separatism and independence," Chen said.

"This cannot be accepted by Ah Bian [Chen's nickname] and certainly cannot be accepted by our brothers in the armed forces."

Analysts say that Chen used the speech to appease the military who had been unsettled by his controversial remarks made August 3.

The Taiwan president was forced into damage control after his comments triggered a furious response from Beijing -- which said Chen was leading the island to disaster -- and from opposition lawmakers.

Financial markets also tumbled and Chen's popularity plummeted to record lows.

Only 27 nations recognize Taipei, due mainly to Beijing's efforts to push the island towards diplomatic isolation.

Reuters contributed to this report.