The Taiwanese president has rejected the terms for unification with China, proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Speaking to Al Jazeera, President Ma Ying-jeou said Taiwan does not accept the “one country, two systems” deal, proposed by their neighbours.

"In the early 1980's the 'one country, two systems' concept was created for Taiwan, not for Hong Kong. But Taiwan has sent a clear message that we do not accept the concept," said Ma.

"If the system is good, then we believe it should be 'one country, one system'."

"We are not expecting to go to war with the Chinese Communist Party," added Ma. "Instead, we are hoping to minimise the possibility of war between us."

Referring to the ongoing protests in Hong Kong, Ma said: "Taiwan is the only place in China where we are able to practice democracy .... We are worried about the developments in Hong Kong.

"We are very concerned about how it will affect Hong Kong's future as well as China's international image.... Hong Kong has already become a global financial centre.

"Any political turbulence will have significant implications to its economic development."

The Chinese president on Friday, was quoted as warning Taiwan against independence, saying "no secessionist act will be tolerated" by Beijing.

Xi said his government was seeking peaceful reunification using the "one country, two systems" principle for Taiwan, as it has done with the former British colony Hong Kong.

"The national reunification we advocate is not merely unification in form, but more importantly, a spiritual connection between the two sides," Xi said.