Chinese president: We will fight Taiwan’s pro-independence forces

Chinese President Xi Jinping has stated that Beijing will confront the forces that support Taiwan’s independence and what China considers foreign interference in the island’s affairs.

The statements were made during a speech on the occasion of China’s national celebrations, where Xi also reiterated Beijing’s goal of the “reunification” of Taiwan with mainland China.

“We must deepen cross-strait exchanges and cooperation, resolutely crush the separatist forces that proclaim the independence of Taiwan, oppose interference from external forces, promote the peaceful development of relations between the two sides and advance the important cause of national reunification,” Xi said, according to the Chinese state agency Xinhua.

Beijing considers Taiwan part of China’s territory and has declared “reunification” as a national objective. The Chinese authorities have also stated that they do not exclude the use of force if they consider it necessary.

The Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, who defends the sovereignty and democratic system of the island, has been labeled by Beijing as a “separatist.” In recent years, China has increased the political and military pressure on Taiwan.

The Taiwan issue also remains one of the most sensitive points in relations between China and the United States. Beijing opposes the American support for Taiwan and has asked Washington to oppose the island’s independence.

Xi’s speech was held on the eve of the anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. On October 1, 1949, Mao Zedong proclaimed in Beijing the founding of the People’s Republic of China.