Xi Jinping Of China Calls For “Peaceful” Reunification Of Taiwan

TAIPEI, Taiwan – Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-w Despite increased military threats against the self-governing island, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Saturday that a “peaceful” reunification of Taiwan with China’s mainland was in Beijing’s interests.

Xi spoke in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, where he emphasized the need of the ruling Communist Party to continue to lead China as the country grows in strength and influence.

“The nation’s reunification must be achieved, and it will undoubtedly be realized,” Xi declared before a crowd of lawmakers, military people, and others assembled in the enormous chamber that serves as China’s ceremonial legislature’s seat.

“The most in accordance with the general interest of the Chinese people, including Taiwan compatriots, is peaceful reunification.” “Added the leader.

Xi’s comments come only days after China’s military flew a record number of military planes towards Taiwan in drills that the self-ruled island has described as a threat. The mainland People’s Liberation Army launched fighter planes, bombers, and airborne early warning aircraft 149 times towards Taiwan over four days beginning last week, with the greatest single move involving 52 jets.

In 1949, after a civil war, Taiwan and China separated, with the Nationalist Party retreating to the island while Mao Zedong’s Communists came to power on the mainland.

The 110th anniversary of the Chinese revolution that led to the fall of the Qing rulers and the formation of the Republic of China under Sun Yat-sen was commemorated at a ceremony in Beijing on Saturday. Xi’s speech touched on similar ambitions for a united future, despite the obvious disparities between China’s repressive one-party system and Taiwan’s thriving multi-party democracy, which is celebrated on October 10th.

This year’s National Day festivities will include a rare exhibition of military equipment, including missiles, as well as a performance by fighter planes, which will take place on Sunday in front of the Presidential Office Building in Taipei’s downtown district.

This is the first time in years that military weaponry has been included in official Taipei celebrations, and the first since Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen entered office in 2016.

Large missile launch vehicles were seen moving through Taipei’s streets in local media coverage of the celebration rehearsals, however, the missiles themselves were not seen.

According to Kuo Yu-Jen, a military studies specialist at Taiwan’s Institute for National Policy Research, the Taiwanese government has kept its missile capabilities hidden from the public eye in the past to avoid looking aggressive.

As Beijing grows “overly aggressive,” Taipei believes it “must demonstrate that Taiwan has the potential to resist China’s threat,” according to Kuo.

In previous years, choreographed performances by motorcycle-riding military police and overflights by the island’s air force have been part of the national day celebration. Missiles, on the other hand, were not part of the show.

“I believe this is to boost the spirit of the Taiwanese people,” said Fan Shih-ping, a political science professor at National Taiwan Normal University.

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen has prioritized national security over her predecessor from the more pro-China Nationalist Party, reviving the island’s shipbuilding sector and initiating a program to build submarines on the island. She has also implemented military reforms, such as raising the quality of food supplied in the mess halls and boosting perks for military personnel.

The situation with China, Taiwanese Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng warned legislators on Wednesday, is “the most serious in the 40 years since I enrolled.” Later, Chiu informed reporters that he believes China would have “complete” invasion capabilities in Taiwan by 2025.

Taiwan has been self-ruled since the split, but Beijing continues to deny its sovereignty, refusing to give up the possibility of using force to reclaim the island. Beijing has also attempted to isolate Taiwan internationally by barring it from the United Nations and other international organizations, as well as opposing official contacts between Taiwan’s government and countries that recognize China, particularly the United States, which is legally obligated to regard threats against Taipei as a matter of “grave concern.”

Officials from the United States and Japan have cautioned that China’s increasing capabilities represent a growing danger to Taiwan’s and the region’s security.

“The Taiwan issue is strictly a Chinese internal matter that tolerates no outside intervention,” he added “On Saturday, Xi stated. “No one should underestimate China’s strong commitment, will, and capabilities to protect national sovereignty and territorial integrity.”