China promises cooperation with Taiwan

BEIJING, Jan. 1 (UPI) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao said Monday the country will continue to push for peaceful reunification with Taiwan.

Hu said in his New Year's address the mainland would promote cross-straits exchanges and cooperation while working to maintain peace and stability, Xinhua, China's official government-run news agency, reported Monday.

Hu called for Chinese and Taiwanese people alike to oppose "Taiwan independence" and work towards reunification.

The president said his policy of "one country, two systems" will not change in the New Year and the mainland will stick closely to the one-China principle.