Xi Urges Progress Toward Taiwan Reunification in National Day Speech

Beijing: (News Desk) – Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for advancing efforts towards “national reunification” with Taiwan while opposing what Beijing describes as external interference, in a speech ahead of China’s National Day.

Speaking at a reception in Beijing marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Xi said China should deepen cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, oppose “Taiwan independence” separatist forces and promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations.

Xi’s remarks came days after his meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington, where he urged the United States to handle the Taiwan issue with “prudence” and oppose Taiwan independence. Reuters reported that Taiwan remained a key point of tension during the September summit, although the two leaders did not announce a major change in their positions.

Beijing claims Taiwan as part of China and has not ruled out the use of force to bring the island under its control. Taiwan maintains its own elected government, military and currency, while the United States maintains a policy of supporting Taiwan’s self-defence without formal diplomatic recognition of the island.

The People’s Republic of China was established on October 1, 1949, after Communist forces defeated the Nationalist Kuomintang in the Chinese Civil War. The defeated Nationalist government relocated to Taiwan.

In his speech, Xi also said China faced “complex international and domestic situations” and called for efforts to accelerate the development of a new economic and development pattern.

He further reiterated China’s commitment to an independent foreign policy of peace, saying the country should contribute greater certainty and positive energy to a world facing changes and turmoil.

Xi’s latest comments come amid continued tensions over Taiwan, including disagreements between Beijing and Washington over US arms support for the island. US officials have said there has been no change in Washington’s Taiwan policy following the recent Trump-Xi summit.