China will never give up the right to use force on Taiwan, President Xi Jinping said at the opening of a major party meeting.
China sees democratically-ruled Taiwan as its own territory, but the island’s government has strong objections and believes that sovereignty must be claimed by its people.
speaking to the opening of the 20th Congress of the Communist Party in powerthe country’s biggest political event, Xi said China has always “respected, cared for and benefited” the Taiwanese people.
He added that he is committed to promoting economic and cultural exchanges across the Taiwan Strait.
“Resolving the Taiwan issue is the Chinese people’s business, and it’s up to the Chinese people to decide,” Xi said.
“We insist on fighting for the prospect of peaceful reunification with utmost sincerity and every possible effort, but we will never promise to renounce the use of force and reserve the possibility of taking all necessary measures. “
To a long round of applause, he concluded, “The historic wheels of national reunification and national rejuvenation are moving forward, and the complete reunification of the motherland must be achieved.”
During Xi’s speech, who mentioned “safety” and “security” 73 times, he explained that China will also accelerate the construction of a world-class military and strengthen its ability to build strategic deterrence.
Beijing has offered Taiwan a “one country, two systems” model of autonomy – the same formula it uses for Hong Kong – but all mainstream Taiwanese political parties have rejected the proposal.
“Meeting on the battlefield is not an option”
Tensions between Beijing and Taipei have risen since August after China military exercises organized near Taiwan next to a island tour by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
His trip infuriated the Chinese government, which views visits to Taiwan by foreign officials as an acknowledgment of its sovereignty.
Since then, military activities have continued near Taiwan but at a reduced rate.
In retaliation for Xi’s comments, Taiwan’s presidential office said it would not back down on its sovereignty or compromise on freedom and democracy.
Please use Chrome browser for more accessible video player
War with China “is not an option”
Maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the region is the joint responsibility of both sides, and meeting on the battlefield is not an option, the Taiwan presidential office said.
Read more:
Analysis: This is not a “normal” party congress
How much disruption do Chinese military exercises cause?
Why is Nancy Pelosi’s trip to Taiwan so controversial?
He also reiterated his persistent stance that islanders clearly oppose Beijing’s idea of ”one country, two systems” management.
Click to subscribe to Sky News Daily wherever you get your podcasts
At the end of the week-long Communist Party congress, Xi, 69, is set to win a third term in office, cementing his place as the country’s most powerful leader since Mao Zedong.
The event will bring together about 2,300 delegates from the Communist Party of China (CCP), including political leaders of all ranks as well as delegates from the private sector, doctors, farmers, “model workers” and even China’s first female astronaut.
