Beijing:
Chinese President Xi Jinping vowed on Saturday to realise peaceful “reunification” with Taiwan, even though did not straight mention the use of force immediately after a week of tensions with the Chinese-claimed island that sparked international concern.
Democratically ruled Taiwan has come below enhanced military and political stress from Beijing to accept its sovereignty, but Taipei has pledged to defend their freedom and that only Taiwan’s persons can make a decision their future.
Speaking at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, Xi stated the Chinese persons have a “glorious tradition” of opposing separatism.
“Taiwan independence separatism is the biggest obstacle to achieving the reunification of the motherland, and the most serious hidden danger to national rejuvenation,” he stated on the anniversary of the revolution that overthrew the last imperial dynasty in 1911.
Peaceful “reunification” finest meets the general interests of the Taiwanese persons, but China will defend its sovereignty and unity, he added.
“No one should underestimate the Chinese people’s staunch determination, firm will, and strong ability to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Xi stated. “The historical task of the complete reunification of the motherland must be fulfilled, and will definitely be fulfilled.”
He struck a slightly softer than in July, his last big speech mentioning Taiwan, in which he vowed to “smash” any attempts at formal independence. In 2019, he straight threatened to use force to bring the island below Beijing’s manage.
China’s air force mounted 4 straight days of incursions into Taiwan’s air defence identification zone from October 1, involving close to 150 aircraft, even though these missions have considering that ended. Xi made no mention of these flights.
Taiwan says it is an independent nation known as the Republic of China, its formal name. The Republic of China was established in 1912 and its government fled to Taiwan in 1949 immediately after losing a civil war with the Communists, who set up today’s People’s Republic of China.
Speaking shortly ahead of Xi, Taiwan Premier Su Tseng-chang noted that China had been “flexing its muscles” and causing regional tensions.
“This is why countries that believe in freedom, democracy, and human rights, and based on shared values, are all working together and have repeatedly warned that China should not invade Taiwan.”
Taiwan marks October 10, when the anti-imperial revolution started in China, as its national day, and President Tsai Ing-wen will give a keynote address in Taipei on Sunday.
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