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.
