Xi Jinping reunification comments
China’s President is increasing his statements about “reunification” with Taiwan. And saying it “must be fulfilled.” Tensions over the future of Taiwan are at a boiling point.
Xi said unification should be achieved peacefully. But he is warning that the Chinese people have a “glorious tradition” of opposing separatism. And Taiwan is further apart from China than it has ever been.
“Compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait should stand on the right side of history and join hands to achieve China’s complete unification,” Xi said.
“The historic mission of achieving the complete unification of our country must be realized, and can be realized,” he added, speaking at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People.
Taiwan responds
China has proposed a formula of “one country, two systems” that would permit Taiwan a degree of autonomy. But that is conditioned on Taiwan ultimately accepting Chinese unification. Taiwan has consistently rejected the offer. And the people of the small democracy are maintaining that they will defend their independence.
