Taipei, Oct. 17 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian said Friday that he would keep his promise made in his inaugural address that he would not seek Taiwan independence as long as mainland China doesn't attempt to use force against Taiwan.
Meeting with visiting Chairperson of the American Institute in Taiwan Therese Shaheen, Chen said he made the promise in 2000 on the condition that Beijing would not attack Taiwan and that he intends to honor his words.
The president said his decision earlier this year to hold the country's first national referendum before the next presidential election and his call to write a new constitution for the country do not contradict his inaugural promise in any way.
He thanked Shaheen for her support of his country and for Washington's kindness in allowing him to make transit stops on U.S. territory en route to his upcoming trip to Panama.