Taiwan leader rejects China unification terms

Taiwan's President Ma Ying-jeou has rejected a "one country, two systems" deal proposed by his Chinese counterpart.

"In the early 1980's the 'one country, two systems' concept was created for Taiwan, not for Hong Kong. But Taiwan has sent a clear message that we do not accept the concept," said Ma in exclusive interview with Al Jazeera.

"If the system is good, then we believe it should be 'one country, one system'."

"We are not expecting to go to war with the Chinese Communist Party," added Ma. "Instead, we are hoping to minimize the possibility of war between us."

Ma's comments followed remarks by Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday, who was quoted in state media warning Taiwan against independence, saying, "no secessionist act will be tolerated" by Beijing.

Xi said that his government sought peaceful reunification using the "one country, two systems" principle for Taiwan, as it has done with the former British colony Hong Kong.

"The national reunification we advocate is not merely unification in form, but more importantly, a spiritual connection between the two sides," Xi said.

Discussing the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, Ma said: "Taiwan is the only place in China where we are able to practice democracy. .... We are worried about the developments in Hong Kong.

"We are very concerned about how it will affect Hong Kong's future as well as China's international image. ... Hong Kong has already become a global financial center. On Monday, protesters gathered outside the lobby of the Hong Kong Economic, Trade and Cultural Office in Taipei on Monday in a show of support for democracy protests in Hong Kong.

"Any political turbulence will have significant implications to its economic development."

China's government considers Taiwan as a renegade province.

The nationalist government of the Republic of China retreated to the island in 1949 as its last foothold after losing a civil war to the Communists.

Animosity towards the mainland's government has lingered in democratic Taiwan, which has developed into a democracy, electing its own president and legislature. remains cautious about Beijing's authoritarian government.

Al Jazeera and wire services