Thursday 12 / September / 2024
Chinese President Xi Jinping said Sunday that his country would "surely be reunified" with Taiwan during his New Year's address.
His comments are likely to further inflame tensions with Taiwan, which Beijing sees as Chinese province. The self-ruled island is set to hold presidential elections on January 13.
"The motherland will surely be reunified," Xi said in his televised speech to the nation.
"Compatriots on both sides of the (Taiwan) Strait should be bound by a common sense of purpose to share in the glory of national rejuvenation," he added
His comments could be seen as a signal that Beijing will continue to pressure Taiwan politically and militarily. Xi has previously said China was prepared to retake Taiwan by force if necessary and in recent months, Chinese warships and military aircraft have been deployed in the island's vicinity.
Ties with China are also one of the key issues of the presidential campaign in Taiwan. The race is currently led by the island's vice-president William Lai.
