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China ‘two sessions’ 2023: Xi Jinping vows ‘peaceful’ Taiwan ties as caution marks cross-strait tone from Beijing
- President Xi Jinping’s pledge to seek ‘peaceful development’ of relations seen as part of consistent messaging on Taiwan
- It takes time for two sides to become ‘one family’, observer notes, referencing earlier comment by new Chinese Premier Li Qiang
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Amber Wangin Beijing
Beijing has shown a cautious stance on Taiwan policy throughout its annual parliamentary sessions, trying to play down speculation that the island would become the next Ukraine as cross-strait tensions rise.
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China will actively promote the “peaceful development” of cross-strait relations, President Xi Jinping told the nation’s top legislature on Monday, days after securing an unprecedented third term.
External interference and separatist “Taiwan independence” activities would be resolutely opposed, Xi added, as he vowed to “unswervingly” promote the reunification of the motherland.
His comments were met with loud applause from the National People’s Congress – whose deputies endorsed the extension of his tenure by a unanimous vote on Friday.
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Xi Jinping stresses party leadership as parliament draws to close
Xi Jinping stresses party leadership as parliament draws to close
Later on Monday, China’s new premier Li Qiang emphasised that compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait were “one family”.
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