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Xi says no ‘individual, political party or group’ will be allowed to hurt China’s territorial integrity

China will not be an aggressor, but will defend Hong Kong and all its territories from any threat, president says

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Chinese President Xi Jinping speaks during a ceremony to mark the 90th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Tuesday. Photo: Reuters

Chinese President Xi Jinping said in Beijing on Tuesday that China’s military would not tolerate any attempt to damage its territorial integrity.

Speaking to senior Communist Party and government officials at an event to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army, Xi’s comments came just two days after he addressed the nation’s troops directly on the parade ground at the Zhurihe training base in Inner Mongolia.

“We do not allow any individual, any organisation, any political party, at any time or by any means, to split any single piece of the Chinese territory,” Xi said to rapturous applause.
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“No one could expect us to swallow consequences that damage our sovereignty, security and developmental interests,” he said.

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During the speech, at the Great Hall of the People in the Chinese capital, Xi repeatedly emphasised that the military must for ever stay unswervingly loyal to the Communist Party, as its absolute leadership over the armed forces is the PLA’s “unalterable soul and indispensable lifeline”.

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