Hu warns Taiwan on independence
23 August 2004
The mainland has the means to crush Taiwan if it declares independence, Chinese President Hu Jintao told top officials marking the 100th anniversary of Deng Xiaoping's birth. Hu called on �all sons and daughters of the Chinese nation, including all Taiwan compatriots� to jointly oppose any moves promoting independence for the island and reiterated Beijing sought peaceful reunification with Taiwan. He called for development of personnel, economic and cultural exchanges to create a new level of economic cooperation in the meantime