Chinese President Hu Jintao, in an address to the opening of the Communist Party's 17th Congress, offered to enter into negotiations with Taiwan to reach a peace agreement. He also warned Taiwan against formally declaring independence, but did not threaten force in response to such a move, as predecessors have in the past.
The White House on Monday welcomed China's offer of talks with Taiwan, calling it a step in the right direction for renewed dialogue between Beijing and Taiwan.
"The United States notes the moderate tone of President Hu's statement made today on the issue of cross-Taiwan Strait relations," White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe said. "We believe that President Hu's remarks were a step in the right direction on seeking to reinvigorate a cross-strait dialogue." (Source: Reuters, Oct 15, 2007).