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Newly inaugerated Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou said Tuesday when taking office he would not pursue a policy of formal independence from China but would also not seek reunification.
Ma, 57, is clearly breaking from the eight-year presidency of Chen Shui-bian, who was often confrontational in dealing with mainland China, which claims Taiwan as a breakaway province.
In a speech aimed at calming fears in China of new confrontation, Ma stressed economic prosperity and peace with Beijing - without formal unification.
"(I) hope that the two sides can use this rare historical opportunity," he said. "Let's open a new page of peace and prosperity.
"We will adopt the principle of no independence, no unification and no use of force," he added.
China considers Taiwan part of the mainland and has threatened to invade if the island democracy declares formal independence.
Chinese nationalists fled to Taiwan in 1949 after communists took over the country.
(c) 2008 Newsroom.
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