05 March 2005	Saturday	23 Muharram 1426

BEIJING, March 4: Chinese President Hu Jintao set out new guidelines on Friday for dealing with Taiwan that firmly oppose independence moves while pledging never to abandon efforts for peaceful reunification.

Beijing is expected to pass an anti-secession bill during the session of parliament that starts on Saturday.

Mr Hu said China should never sway in adhering to the one-China principle, never give up its quest for peaceful reunification, never "change the principle of placing hope in the Taiwan people", and never compromise in opposing secessionist activities.

"Peaceful reunification does not mean that one side 'swallows' the other, but that the two sides confer on reunification through consultation on an equal footing," the Xinhua news agency quoted Mr Hu as saying in a panel discussion with officials whom it described as advising the Chinese parliament on behalf of Taiwan. China has vowed to bring Taiwan back to the fold eventually, by force if necessary. -Reuters