BEIJING, 10 October 2021, (TON): Chinese President Xi Jinping vowed to achieve "peaceful reunification" with Taiwan after a week of tensions with the Chinese-claimed island that sparked international concern.
Taiwan responded shortly after by calling on Beijing to abandon its coercion, reiterating that only Taiwan's people could decide their future.
Democratically ruled Taiwan has come under increased military and political pressure from Beijing to accept its sovereignty, but Taipei has pledged to defend its freedom.
Speaking at Beijing's Great Hall of the People, Xi said the Chinese people have a "glorious tradition" of opposing separatism.
He said "Taiwan independence separatism is the biggest obstacle to achieving the reunification of the motherland, and the most serious hidden danger to national rejuvenation.”
He added “peaceful "reunification" best meets the overall interests of the Taiwanese people, but China will protect its sovereignty and unity.”
Make sure you enter all the required information, indicated by an asterisk (*). HTML code is not allowed.