Speaking on July 4, President Chen Shui-bian reiterated that so long as the People's Republic of China does not intend to use force against Taiwan, he would abide by the "four noes, one without" policy, which he first announced in his inaugural address three years ago.
In that address, President Chen Shui-bian declared that so long as Beijing has no intention of using military force against Taiwan, he would "not declare Taiwan Independence, change our national title, push for the inclusion of the "state-to-state" formulation in our Constitution, or promote a referendum on the question of independence or unification." He also said that the abolition of the National Unification Council or the National Unification Guidelines would not be an issue.
However, in his latest remarks, President Chen said that Taiwan should be able to hold referenda on major issues affecting the people's livelihood and public policy. Based on the principles of national sovereignty and direct rule by the people, he said, "we undoubtedly should be entitled to this basic human right."
According to the United Daily News, the president also said, "The Republic of China, Taiwan, is a sovereign and independent state. It is not a part of anyone else. Our country is not someone else's local government."
He added that any change in Taiwan's status quo could only be chosen and determined through a plebiscite of the Taiwan people and that no other country, government, party or individual "can change Taiwan's destiny, change Taiwan's future, or its present independent status."
