Chinese President Jinping warns China's 'reunification' with Taiwan in New Year address
PTC News Desk: Chinese President Xi Jinping has once again warned Taiwan of its unification with China. In a New Year address, Xi Jinping issued a stern warning to Taiwan and said , "No one can stop China's "reunification" with Taiwan" to what Beijing regards as pro-independence forces within and outside of the island of 23 million people.
Chinese President Jinping also assured public about the economy, which has slowed considerably after COVID-19.
China has significantly accelerated military pressure near Taiwan claiming it as its own territory. However Taiwan's government has consistently rejected the claims and says only its people can decide their future and Beijing ought to respect the choice of the Taiwanese people.
"The people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are one family. No one can sever our family bonds, and no one can stop the historical trend of national reunification," Xi said in a speech.
Tensions in the sensitive Taiwan Strait have stayed elevated throughout the year, particularly following Lai Ching-te's election as the island's president in May, as Beijing regards him as a "separatist."
- With inputs from agencies
