BEIJING — Chinese President Xi Jinping stated on Monday that no obstacles can deter the nation from its path forward, reaffirming Beijing’s commitment to reunification with Taiwan.
Xi made this announcement at a reception celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, which was established on October 1, 1949. "The path ahead will definitely see challenges," said Xi, urging the country to navigate through uncertainties and risks. "No challenges can stop China’s progress," he added. These remarks were translated from a Chinese state media broadcast by CNBC.
The brief speech, which aired during the state’s evening news program, noted that Xi and other senior Chinese officials entered the reception shortly after 5 p.m. local time on Monday. Approximately 3,000 individuals, including foreigners, attended the event in Beijing, according to state media reports.
In his address, Xi called for unity under the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party and reiterated Beijing’s strong opposition to "separatist" activities in Taiwan, advocating for increased economic and cultural cooperation between both sides. He described the reunification with Taiwan as a historical inevitability, a sentiment he has expressed in the past. Beijing views the democratically self-governed island as part of its territory.
The speech did not mention specific tensions around trade, despite the ongoing conflicts between China and Western nations such as the U.S. and Europe, which have imposed tariffs and restrictions on China’s access to advanced technology. Instead, Xi represented China as a proponent of globalization, expressing gratitude to "friendly" countries and supporters of China’s progress. He emphasized the broader aspiration of "national rejuvenation" for Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and all Chinese peoples.
Xi also promised to "spur" development in Hong Kong and Macao, which operate under the "one country, two systems" framework while being governed by Beijing.
This speech follows a rise in Chinese markets, with major mainland Chinese and Hong Kong stock indexes surging to their highest levels in over a year after authorities revealed plans to support economic growth. On Thursday, a key meeting led by Xi emphasized the need to halt the decline in the real estate market and to strengthen fiscal and monetary policies. While the People’s Bank of China has reduced rates in the past week, the Ministry of Finance has yet to unveil additional fiscal measures.
In a similar speech in 2019 commemorating the PRC’s 70th anniversary, Xi remarked that no force could halt China’s progress, coinciding with grand military parades and celebrations. However, the 65th anniversary was marked with more subdued events compared to previous years.
