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Taiwan
ChinaPolitics

Beijing’s Wang Huning takes aim at ‘Taiwan independence’ in restoration day address

We must foster a shared Chinese national identity, top political adviser says, commemorating end to island’s half-century of Japanese rule

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Beijing hosts an event to mark Saturday’s 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s return to Chinese sovereignty. Photo: Xinhua
Sylvie Zhuangin Beijing

Beijing will leave no room for any form of “Taiwan independence” separatist activities, one of Beijing’s most senior leaders said on Saturday, marking the 80th anniversary of the island’s return from Japanese rule.

“We should work together to advance the cause of national reunification and must leave no room for any form of ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist activities,” Wang Huning, Beijing’s No 4 official and top political adviser, said at an event to commemorate “Taiwan Restoration Day”.

“[We] must continue to deepen cross-strait exchanges and integration, and foster a shared sense of Chinese national identity.”

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Wang made the comments a day after the National People’s Congress Standing Committee formally designated October 25 as an annual day to commemorate Taiwan’s return to Chinese sovereignty after five decades of Japanese occupation.

Beijing’s ratification of the day was seen as another move to assert its sovereignty over the self-ruled island.

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“[Ratifying Taiwan Restoration Day] demonstrates the Chinese Communist Party’s steadfast commitment to its historical mission and its unwavering determination to achieve the complete reunification of the motherland,” state news agency Xinhua quoted Wang as saying.

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