Chinese leader puts case for reunion with Taiwan

China’s president has used the centennial of a revolution that ended imperial rule to make an appeal to further relations with Taiwan, saying they should move beyond the history that divides them and focus on common economic and cultural interests.

At a ceremony yesterday in Beijing, Hu Jintao said China and Taiwan should end antagonisms, “heal wounds of the past and work together to achieve the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation”.

“Achieving reunification by peaceful means best serves the fundamental interests of all Chinese, including our Taiwan compatriots,” Mr Hu said, adding that the sides should increase economic competitiveness, promote Chinese culture and build on a sense of a common identity.

Mr Hu has sought to move beyond a threatening rhetoric that long characterised Beijing’s response to Taiwan’s refusal to unify with the mainland.

Yesterday, a large portrait of the founding father of modern China, Sun Yat-Sen, hung over the stage on which sat current and former top leaders of China including retired president Jiang Zemin, who made a rare public appearance months after speculation that he was close to death.

The ceremony in Beijing marks the armed uprising on 10 October, 1911, led by rebels associated with Sun on a Qing dynasty garrison. The attack set in motion events that led to the overthrow of imperial rule.