Chinese president insists on Taiwan 'reunification,' avoids threat of force
Fox News
Chinese President Xi Jinping claimed Saturday that he would achieve "peaceful reunification" with Taiwan, but avoided addressing any use of force concerns following a week of tensions with the island.
Xi’s speech Saturday stressed the "glorious tradition" of China’s opposition to separation in a noted step back from the stronger promise in July to "smash" any attempt at formal independence.
"Taiwan independence separatism is the biggest obstacle to achieving the reunification of the motherland, and the most serious hidden danger to national rejuvenation," Xi said on the anniversary of the revolution that ended imperial China. He stressed that "reunification" is in the best interests of the Taiwanese people, and China will protect its sovereignty and unity, according to Reuters.