The "unification" of Taiwan with China is inevitable, and it will not be possible to stop it, said the President of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping. He called it a historic mission of the Chinese Communist Party, writes Reuters.
Xi said this in Beijing during a speech marking the 160th anniversary of the birth of revolutionary Sun Yat-sen. He stated that Beijing seeks a peaceful unification under the principle of "one country, two systems" and is willing to talk with Taiwan based on the principle of "one China". He also called on residents on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to oppose the island's independence supporters.
Xi did not mention the use of force, which China has not formally renounced. Meanwhile, Taiwan's Ministry of Defense reported 29 Chinese military aircraft (including J-16 fighter jets) and drones patrolling near the island along with ships.
In Taiwan, Xi's statement was called a routine. They emphasize that the future of the island can only be decided by its inhabitants.
In a week, Xi is scheduled to meet with Donald Trump at the APEC summit in Shenzhen. And in a little more than two weeks local elections will be held in Taiwan.