Chinese President Hu Jintao marked New Year's Eve on Saturday with a speech pledging peaceful, cooperative development, but reiterated a standard warning that China would not tolerate independence for Taiwan, Reuters reported. In a brief address broadcast on state radio and television, Hu did not dwell on the numerous problems facing China. "The Chinese people love peace, and yearn for a good life," Hu said. "I stress again, China's development is peaceful, open, cooperative and harmonious." Hu offered his New Year greetings to people in Taiwan -- a self-governing island China claims as its own -- and said Beijing would strive to promote cross-strait exchanges and maintain stability while pushing for reunification. "Opposition to Taiwan independence splittist activities will not be compromised," he said, standing on a simple podium in front of a Chinese flag.
