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 BEIJING (AP) - China's president called Saturday for closer business ties with Taiwan to help squelch the self-ruled island's pro-independence movement as he met with a former Taiwanese opposition leader.
President Hu Jintao spoke at a forum on China-Taiwan business ties that opened amid strains over the 2008 Olympic torch route and rivalry between Beijing and Taipei for foreign diplomatic status.
"We sincerely hope the compatriots across the strait will closely join hands to push forward the personnel, economic and cultural exchanges to curb Taiwanese independence activities and maintain peace across the Taiwan Strait," Hu said in comments shown on state television.
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