KARACHI, Pakistan

China said Wednesday that it will "firmly advance" the push for reunification with Taiwan.

According to a government work report submitted to the national legislature for deliberation, the country will improve institutions and policies for promoting economic and cultural exchanges and cooperation across the Taiwan Strait and advance integrated cross-Strait development to improve the "wellbeing of Chinese people on both sides."

China considers Taiwan its breakaway province, while Taipei insists on its independence.

China also opposes "unilateralism and protectionism in all forms and will uphold international fairness and justice," the work report added.

"The country will stay committed to an independent foreign policy of peace and to the path of peaceful development," it said.