Investors run for the exits after Chen's speech

The nation's most outspoken business tycoon, Wang Yung-ching (王永慶), chairman of Formosa Plastics Group (台塑集團), was even more pessimistic, telling reporters that Chen's remarks "have made retrogress the possibility of talks on direct links."

"The move was unexpected and unnecessary," Wang said.

Day Sheng-tong (戴勝通), president of the National Association of Small and Medium-Size Enterprises (中小企業協會), however, disagreed with Wang.

Day said that he believed that Chen made the provocative remarks as a last resort to bring China to the negotiating table, since his goodwill gestures over the past two years have gone ignored.

Day urged leaders of both sides to downplay political talks and focus on joint economic efforts.

Day also said that Chen's move wouldn't affect people's everyday lives.