President Hu Jintao said Thursday that China will do its utmost
with all sincerity to realize peaceful reunification across the
Taiwan Straits.
Hu made the remarks in a meeting with presidents of associations
of Taiwanese enterprises on the mainland Thursday.
China would never allow anyone in any way to separate Taiwan
from the mainland, he said.
Hu extended his gratitude towards associations of Taiwan
enterprises on the mainland for contributing economic and trade
exchanges and cooperation across the Straits.
China would adhere to the basic principle of "peaceful
reunification" and "one country, two systems", but would firmly
oppose any separatist activity for an "independent Taiwan," he
said.
The central government believes Taiwan people, who have a long
tradition of patriotism, will contribute to the peaceful
reunification, Hu said.
People across the Taiwan Straits shared common interests and
should join together to face increasing competition with
globalization, he said.
The central government welcomed and encouraged Taiwan
compatriots to invest in and develop trade and businesses on the
mainland, Hu said.
The central government would support whatever encouraged Taiwan
people to develop businesses on the mainland, whatever benefited
the economy, sciences, technologies and culture exchanges and
cooperation across the Straits and whatever helped the development
of relations and the peaceful reunification, he added.
Hu vowed to continue helping Taiwan people solve problems while
they did business, studied and worked on the mainland and to
protect their legal rights and interests.
The central government would take advice from Taiwan compatriots
from all walks about building closer economic cooperation across
the Straits, he said.
The Chinese government respected the Taiwan people's wish to
rule themselves and develop democracy and was willing to see all
Taiwan people live and work in peace and contentment, Hu said.
He expressed his best regards to Taiwan compatriots for the
coming New Year.
(Xinhua News Agency December 26, 2003)