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)