Speaking at the Communist Party’s National Congress, Xi said Beijing would „never promise to renounce the use of force“ against Taiwan.
In a major speech, President Xi Jinping has said China would „never promise to renounce the use of force“ against Taiwan—prompting applause from delegates.
„We will continue to strive for peaceful reunification,“ Xi said as the Chinese Communist Party’s 20th National Congress kicked off in Beijing. „But we will never promise to renounce the use of force. And we reserve the option of taking all measures necessary.“
Taiwan has maintained a separate government from China since 1949, but China claims the self-ruled island as part of its territory.
Unification of the two sides „will be achieved,“ Xi said, according to the Associated Press.
China needs to prevent „interference by outside forces,“ Xi said, a reference to foreign politicians the ruling party says are encouraging Taiwan to make its de facto independence permanent—a step the mainland says would lead to war.
