Li toasts Hong Kong's future, but Taiwan is steering clear of reunification

Taiwan Says No to China

The Taiwanese, who present themselves on the international stage as the Republic of China, have consistently repudiated Beijing's overtures. The country's leaders argue that they have never lost sovereignty over China, despite being defeated by the communists led by Mao Tse-Tung in the 1949 civil war.

David Lee, a Taiwanese government spokesman, declared: "Any actions taken by us must be based upon public opinion and I don't think the public will ever agree to accept such a formula."

Mr Lee was responding to remarks by the Chinese Premier Li Peng, urging Taiwan to follow Hong Kong and Macau in reunifying with China. Mr Li, addressing 4,000 guests gathered at Beijing's Great Hall of the People, said that the return of Hong Kong was "an important milestone for the complete reunification of the motherland." He added: "The 'one country, two systems' principle will work for Hong Kong and Macau and it should also work for Taiwan."

A few moments after Hong Kong was handed back to Beijing at midnight on Monday, Taiwan's vice-president, Lien Chan, said that Taiwan would never accept communist rule. He said that reunification with China would be possible only if Beijing adopted multi-party democracy - dubbed by Mr Lien as "one country, one good system".