In two New Year messages, Hu Jintao stresses the resolve to defend sovereignty
President Hu Jintao has reiterated - for the second day in a row - Beijing's resolve to defend sovereignty over Taiwan.
He also promised to push ahead with 'socialist democracy' to build a harmonious society on the mainland.
In a New Year's Eve radio and television broadcast and in a speech to political leaders in the capital yesterday, Mr Hu said the central government was committed to a peaceful solution on Taiwan but stressed there were principles Beijing would never give up.
'We, however, will never allow anyone to separate Taiwan from China in any form, and the Chinese government and Chinese people will never hesitate to safeguard China's sovereignty and territorial integrity,' Mr Hu was quoted by Xinhua as saying.
Mr Hu, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party, said the coming year would be critical for the party in strengthening its ability to govern the country.
