The condition, said analysts, could be a deliberate volley meant to turn the tables on Beijing's own threats of force.
But the vast majority of Chen's address focused on Taiwan's domestic problems -- most notably to rid the country of "black gold" politics. He also suggested -- in a move hailed as a victory by rights groups here -- that an official human rights commission be established as part of efforts to "bring the Republic of China back into the international human rights system." Ending his 45-minute speech, Chen raised his voice and exclaimed: "Long live freedom and democracy! Long live the people of Taiwan!"
The inaugural address capped a series of events and festivities that included a farewell speech by outgoing president Lee Teng-hui, a formal oath of office by both Chen and his vice president, Annette Lu (呂秀蓮), as well as the transfer of power to Chen's new Cabinet.
Reaction to the address from China, meanwhile, was predictably harsh. An official statement accused Chen as having "avoided the crucial issue of accepting the one China policy; the attitude is evasive and vague. Obviously, his 'goodwill reconciliation' lacks sincerity."
Although the statement noted that Chen had promised not to push for independence, it added: "He should not have applied any conditions, he should not have failed to recognize 'one China' and the reality that Taiwan is a part of China, and by referring to 'one China' in the future tense."
Later, however, authorities from the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office issued a second statement indicating dialogue was possible, pointing to the 1992 compromise over "one China" -- where both sides agreed to accept the principle but not define its exact meaning.
It said dialogue could be held on the condition that Taiwan "make a clear-cut commitment that they will not advocate the `two- states theory' and will adhere to the consensus reached between the ARATS and Taiwan's Strait Exchange Foundation in 1992 stating the two sides will express in their own way orally that both sides across the straits stick to the 'one China' principle."
In Taiwan, reaction among major political parties was mixed -- although generally praising Chen's domestic agenda, many felt he had failed to set out a clear course to improve cross-strait ties.
Such reactions were muted, however, by the fact that the leaders of both the KMT and the People First Party (PFP) -- Lien Chan (連戰) and James Soong (宋楚瑜) -- were out of the country for yesterday's events.
But top China negotiator Koo Chen-fu (辜振甫) said Chen's remarks were a direct expression of island's sincerity and goodwill towards China.
"He (Chen) has promised to handle the idea of `one China' properly and I believe he will announce the details of how he will do this in the near future," said Koo.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, the vice chairman of the Mainland Affairs Council, Lin Chong-pin (林中斌) echoed Chen's comments, appealing to China for patience to understand the new government's goodwill.
"We do not expect Chinese Communist officials to immediately understand the deeper meaning of what Chen has said in his address," Lin said.
Yesterday morning's colorful festivities in front of the Presidential Office were also matched last night by a cocktail party where an estimated thousand invitees -- including many foreign guests -- were joined by members of the incoming Cabinet in heralding the new government.
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