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Hu calls for harmony among nations

Impetus to economic restructuring in New Year

PHOTO: AP/XINHUA

SETTING OUT GOALS: Chinese President Hu Jintao delivering New Year address on Sunday.

BEIJING: Chinese President Hu Jintao called for peaceful development and social harmony in his New Year address broadcast on Sunday to domestic and overseas audiences via state TV and radio.

``Here, I'm very glad to extend my New Year wishes to Chinese of all ethnic groups, to compatriots from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, to overseas Chinese and to people all over the world,'' Mr. Hu said.

In the address, broadcast by China Radio International, China National Radio and China Central Television, Mr. Hu talked about economic and social development in 2007 and policies toward Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan.

Social problems

``[The year] 2007 is an important year in building a socialist harmonious society under the guidance of the scientific development concept,'' Mr. Hu said, adding the Government will strive to give impetus to the shift in economic restructuring and in the mode of economic growth.

He said the Government will make more efforts in addressing social problems and pursue energy efficiency and environmental protection.

Internationally, Mr. Hu said, problems such as terrorism, trans-national crimes, environmental pollution, natural disasters and fatal infectious diseases have become more and more serious, regional conflicts have not ceased and the gap between the rich and the poor has deepened.

He said the Chinese people are willing to join with peoples of all nations to promote multilateralism, advance the development of globalisation toward common prosperity, advocate democracy in international relations and respect the diversity of the world.

China will do its best to help developing countries and extend did to people suffering from war, poverty, illnesses and natural calamities in the world.

On Hong Kong and Macao, Mr. Hu said the Central authorities will support the local Governments and Chief Executives of Hong Kong and Macao to administer the regions.

Promotion of exchanges

``We will adhere to the policies of `one country, two systems', Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong, Macao people governing Macao, and a high degree of autonomy,'' he said. On the Taiwan issue, he said Beijing will actively promote exchanges and cooperation across the straits, safeguard peace and stability, and press ahead with the cause of peaceful reunification. — Xinhua

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