China warns the Mainland will take firm actions if the Taiwan authorities seek separatist moves; China says it is not interested nor does it care about what Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian will say in his inaugural address, but warns the Mainland will take firm actions if the Taiwan authorities seek separatist moves.

China's Foreign Ministry spokesman says: "If Taiwan leaders move recklessly to provoke incidence of Taiwan independence, the Chinese people will crush their schemes firmly and thoroughly at any cost."

Zhu Weidong, expert on Taiwan Studies, says the statement raises stakes across the straits.

"It is the most toughly worded, most systematic, most comprehensive statement ever issued by the mainland. It represents the position of the Chinese government and the people."

Political analysts say Chen Shui-bian will probably try to avoid using the word independence in his inauguration speech, but in real practice, he will continue pursuing the move.

"It is very difficult for him to come back to ��One China' because he has already defined ��One China' as equal to surrendering to China."

Source: CRIENGLISH.com