Speaking at the Great Hall of the People to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the revolution that ended the country’s last imperial dynasty, Xi said the biggest obstacle to China’s reunification was the “Taiwan independence” force.
“Those who forget their heritage, betray their motherland and want to divide the country, will do no good,” Xi said.
Taiwan and mainland China have been governed separately since the end of a civil war more than seven decades ago in which defeated nationalists fled to Taipei. However, Beijing considers Taiwan an inseparable part of its territory – even though the Chinese Communist Party has never ruled the democratic island of about 24 million people.
Xi said on Saturday he would like to see a peaceful reunification under the “one country, two systems” policy, as used in Hong Kong. However the system of government is generally opposed by Taiwan.
In his speech, Xi said the Taiwan issue is one of China’s internal affairs and “does not allow interference from outside.”
“People should not underestimate the determination of the Chinese people to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The task of complete integration of China must be achieved, and it will certainly be achieved,” he said.
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