Singapore reaffirms it is opposed to "Taiwan independence"

Singapore's Foreign Ministry reiterated on Thursday that Singapore "is opposed to Taiwan independence" in response to Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian's comments regarding "four wants and one no".

The ministry said that Chen's comments were clearly inconsistent with his inauguration pledge in 2000.

The ministry added that "Such comments are unhelpful as they can only increase the risk of instability in cross-strait relations."

The ministry reaffirmed that Singapore has a clear "One China" policy and is opposed to Taiwan independence and any unilateral moves to change the status quo.

Chen said at a gathering on Sunday that he wanted independence, a new constitution, development, and new names for local firms that use the word "China" in their title.

As he took office in 2000, Chen pledged to adhere to "four noes, " namely, no declaration of Taiwan independence, no incorporation of the "two states" remarks into the constitution, no change of the province's name and no referendum on "Taiwan independence."

Source: Xinhua