Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

Taipei, Jan. 27 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian said Monday that he looks forward to truly peaceful and stable relations across the Taiwan Strait in the coming year. "It's one of my biggest wishes for the new year that cross-strait relations move in a peaceful, stable direction, " Chen said at a tea party sponsored by an amity club of reporters covering news events of the Presidential Office in celebration of the lunar New Year festival -- the year's biggest holiday in ethnic Chinese societies -- which falls on Feb. 1 this year.

Since assuming office more than two years ago, Chen noted, he has traveled extensively around the island to reach out to the grassroots. "I appreciate your diligence in accompanying me on visits to all of the island's 319 townships and villages, " Chen told the reporters present at the party.

During those down-to-earth visits, Chen said he has come to a deeper understanding of the simplicity, hospitality and vitality of the people of Taiwan as well as of their expectations for government reform and improvement of their living standards.

In the new year, Chen went on, his administration will work hard to revitalize the sluggish economy and continue sweeping reforms to wipe out corrupt "black gold" politics.

During the party, Chen also sang Hakka and Taiwanese folk songs to entertain the journalists.