Taipei, May 20: Taiwan's President Chen Shui-Bian refused today to rule out eventual reunification with China, after Beijing threatened to crush any moves by the island towards independence. "Any form of future relationship between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of China (Taiwan) should not be ruled out as long as the people of Taiwan consent to it," he said after being sworn in for a second term.
Beijing has repeatedly accused the independence-minded president of pushing the island away from "the motherland" as Chen has categorically rejected Beijing's "One China" principle.

In his inaugural speech, Chen also renewed his vow not to seek independence within the next four years.
In what was seen as a gesture of conciliation four years ago, the leader of the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party, made a pledge to Beijing known as the "Five Nos".
"Today, I hereby reiterate that the promise and principles made in 2000 have not changed over the past four years and will remain so within the next four years," Chen said.
Bureau Report