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Chen Shui-bian Rejects "One China, Two Systems" Model [CND, 06/01/01] Taiwanese leader CHEN Shui-bian said on Wednesday that Beijing's "One Country, Two Systems" proposal for the future cross-strait relation was unacceptable because it would bring an end to the Republic of China (ROC), the Hong Kong iMail reported. In an address to the Panamanian parliament, Chen told the audience that he could not allow Taiwan to be annexed by others. Under the "One Country, Two Systems" scheme, he argued, ROC would be reduced to a province of the Peoples Republic of China. "Taiwan is a country of sovereign independence and self-governance," Chen said. Chen's statement was reportedly prompted by the pro-China demonstration in front of the parliament on his arrival, which was staged by a dozen of protesters from local Chinese communities. On the same day, the spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office under China's State Council insisted that the "One Country, Two Systems'' model would be the best solution for the majority Taiwanese, who want to maintain the island's current status. He linked Taiwan's economic downturn to Chen's rejection of Beijing's "One China" principle, and pointed out that Chen's approval rate in Taiwan was only about 40 percent. (LIU Weijun)