Taiwan premier says only 'idiots' want independence

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TAIPEI, Dec 9 (AFP): Taiwan's anti-China opposition was up in arms Wednesday after Premier Wu Den-yih of the pro-Beijing Kuomintang party said only "idiots" want independence from the mainland.
"It's simply impossible for Taiwan to become independent. Even if it did, it would lead to an internal split and cause pressure from abroad," Wu told a local radio station Tuesday.
"Only irresponsible people or idiots want Taiwan independence."
Beijing has repeatedly threatened to invade Taiwan if the island, which it claims as part of its territory, were to declare formal independence. The two sides have been governed separately since the end of a civil war in 1949.
Wu's statement triggered outrage from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which favours independence.
"Taiwan is already an independent country, no matter its name. Now can you see who is the idiot?" DPP legislator Chiu Yi-ying said.
Taiwan saw ties with China hit a low point under DPP rule from 2000 to 2008.
But relations have improved markedly since Ma Ying-jeou of the Kuomintang became president last year on a platform of boosting trade links and allowing in more Chinese tourists.