BEIJING -- China reiterated its threat Wednesday to "resolutely and completely crush" any moves toward Taiwanese independence via constitutional reform.
Li Weiyi, spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office under the mainland government's State Council was asked to comment on recent remarks by the island's president Chen Shui-bian claiming it was a separate sovereign country, thus requiring a revised constitution.
"This has once again exposed Chen's true face of seeking Taiwan independence," Li said.
In reference to constitutional reform, the spokesman warned, "If Chen Shui-bian dares to create any major incidents aimed at Taiwan independence, we will resolutely and completely crush such splittist attempts at all costs."
Tensions across the Taiwan Straight have intensified with Taiwan considering $18 billion in arms purchases from the United States and China publicly stating Chen has a timetable for an irrevocable break with the mainland starting with a constitutional referendum in 2006 and declaring independence in 2008.
