Beijing will do its utmost for peaceful reunification with Taiwan, Xi Jinping says
- But Chinese president tells Communist Party congress that ‘we will never promise to renounce the use of force’
- Analysts say Xi’s remarks suggest Beijing is exercising restraint on the island, despite the soaring tensions
“Resolving the Taiwan question is a matter for the Chinese, a matter that must be resolved by the Chinese. We will continue to strive for peaceful reunification with the greatest sincerity and the utmost effort, but we will never promise to renounce the use of force, and we reserve the option of taking all measures necessary,” Xi said.
“This is directed solely at interference by outside forces and the few separatists seeking ‘Taiwan independence’ and their separatist activities; it is by no means targeted at our Taiwan compatriots.”
He also said that as China was on course to achieve national rejuvenation, reunification with Taiwan was a certainty.
“Complete reunification of our country must be realised, and it can, without doubt, be realised,” he said, a remark that was met with one of the longest rounds of applause during his speech.