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BEIJING: Chinese President Hu Jintao on Monday called for a peace agreement with Taiwan, while insisting independence for the island would never be tolerated, according to a copy of his speech given to the press.
"We would like to make a solemn appeal," Hu was to say in his speech at the opening of the ruling Communist Party's five-yearly Congress.
"On the basis of the one-China principle, let us discuss a formal end to the state of hostility between the two sides, reach a peace agreement, construct a framework for peaceful development of cross-strait relations and thus usher in a new phase of peaceful development."
His speech did not carry any direct references to using force in bringing about Taiwan's reunification with mainland China.
In 2005, China's parliament passed an anti-secession law which provided Beijing with the legal framework for retaking the island by force.
However, in an apparent reference to Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian's plan to hold a referendum on seeking UN membership under the name Taiwan, Hu warned that "independence forces" were seriously jeopardising cross-strait relations.
"China's sovereignty and territorial integrity brook no division, and any matter in this regard must be decided by the entire Chinese people, including our Taiwan compatriots," his speech said.
Taiwan and China split in 1949 after a civil war. The island has since ruled itself independently of China. - AFP/yb/ir
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