In a broad speech at the opening session of the 20th Communist Party of China Congress, Xi resolutely spoke of China’s determination to reunify with the self-governing island that Beijing considers part of its territory. mine.
Noel Celis | AFP | beautiful pictures
BEIJING – President of China Xi Jinping said China reserves the option to “take all necessary measures” against “interference by outside forces” in the Taiwan issue.
In a wide-ranging speech on Sunday, Mr. Xi resolutely spoke of China’s determination to reunify with the self-governing island that Beijing considers part of its territory.
He was speaking at the opening ceremony of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, held every five years.
“We will continue to strive for peaceful reunification with utmost sincerity and efforts,” Xi said in Chinese, according to an official translation. “But, we will never promise to renounce the use of force. And we reserve the option to take all necessary measures.”
“This is only aimed at the interference of external forces and some separatists who want Taiwan to be independent,” he said, stressing that resolving the Taiwan issue is a matter for China to deal with. handle.
Cross-Strait Tensions
Tensions around Taiwan increased this summer after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s controversial visit to the island.
The visit came despite warnings from China, which maintains the island has no right to conduct foreign relations. The United States recognizes Beijing as China’s sole legitimate government and maintains unofficial relations with Taiwan.
On Sunday, Mr. Xi raised the issue of Taiwan more prominently in his speech than he did five years ago at the party’s 19th National Congress.
The high-level meeting decides which official becomes the leader of the party, and ultimately of China.
Next weekend, the name of the new core group around Xi will be announced. State titles such as president and prime minister are officially confirmed at an annual meeting of the Chinese government, usually held in March.
