People in Taiwan open to Chinese proposals

TAIPEI, Taiwan, Jan. 2 (UPI) -- Most Taiwanese residents are reportedly open to six Chinese proposals to improve relations with Taiwan.

China's state-run Xinhua news agency said Friday that according to the United Daily News, a Taiwanese newspaper, most Taiwan residents have positive views of the proposals Chinese President Hu Jintao made on New Year's Eve.

Hu said that China was prepared to promote a better relationship with Taiwan by extending certain freedoms to Chinese-governed territories.

Among the proposals were discussions regarding Taiwan's potential involvement in international organizations and support of a so-called Taiwan consciousness.

Hu also said China would support all Taiwan suggestions that fostered an improved cross-Straits relationship between the two sides.

Xinhua said Hu's proposals, which also included increased exchanges and communication between China and Taiwan, were part of China's 30th anniversary celebration of its "Message to Compatriots in Taiwan."