In a speech at the start of the Communist Party Congress in Beijing on Sunday, President Xi Jinping vowed that China would “never commit to abandoning the use of force” on the Taiwan issue.
“The resolution of the Taiwan issue is a matter for the Chinese people themselves and must be resolved by the Chinese people themselves.
We will adhere to the pursuit of peaceful reunification with the utmost sincerity and utmost effort, but we will never commit to abandoning the use of force and reserve the option of taking all necessary measures,” Xi said. -Ping to Communist Party delegates in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
China considers self-governing, democratic Taiwan part of its territory, which will one day be reclaimed by military intervention if necessary.
“The historical rounds of national reunification and national rejuvenation are rolling forward,” Xi added. “The reunification of the motherland must be achieved and it will be achieved.”
Xi condemned “separatism and interference” in the matter.
He also addressed Hong Kong’s transition from “chaos to governance” following the introduction of a national security law in 2020 that clamped down on dissent in the once open city.
“The situation in Hong Kong has reached a major transition from chaos to government,” he said.