Maybe I can start some trouble by pinging someone.
Ping!
#1 - They are making a shrewd political move associated with the coming Olympics, wanting to get this statement out in the open and public at a time when there is less chance of the PRC reacting militarily.
#2 - They are careful not to make any actual change, other than verbally referring to future, potential changes.
#3 - As far as I am concerned, it states the obvious. The island is a seperate and distinct entity from the mainland, politically, militarily, socially, and economically.
It will be interesting to watch the response by the communists (CCP).