Chinese President Xi Jinping was discussing relations with mainland China . President Ma Ying-jeou : I will not discuss reunification , promote independence . During a recent session with reporters in the presidential office building , Ma leaned back in a dark-blue armchair under an oil painting of Sun Yat-sen -- modern China 's founding father whose legacy is claimed by Taipei and Beijing -- and delivered a clear message : economic relations with China should be developed but not at the cost of sovereignty . China and Taiwan separated in 1949 following a civil war . Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou has expressed his `` firm and unwavering stance '' on reunification .
Chinese President Xi Jinping was discussing relations with mainland China . President Ma Ying-jeou : I will not discuss reunification , promote independence . China and Taiwan separated in 1949 following a civil war . Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou has expressed his `` firm and unwavering stance '' on reunification .