Chinese President Xi Jinping has warned Taiwan not to aspire for independence — his unambiguous assertion coming at a time when a new government in Taipei has emerged, which has brought an exercise of sovereignty on the agenda.
"We will resolutely contain 'Taiwan independence' secessionist activities in any form," President Xi was quoted as saying during his meeting with lawmakers from Shanghai, who had arrived to participate in the annual session of the National People’s Congress (NPC) — China’s parliament.
"We will safeguard the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and never allow the historical tragedy of national secession to happen again," Mr. Xi said.
"This is the common wish and firm will of all Chinese people. It is also our solemn commitment and our responsibility to history and the people," he said.
"Our policy toward Taiwan is clear and consistent, and it will not change along with the change in Taiwan's political situation," Mr. Xi told the legislators.
Mr. Xi’s blunt warning follows the landslide election of Tsai Ing-wen as President of Taiwan. Her position has been strengthened by the strong showing of her Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in parliamentary polls.
Ms. Tsai, who replaces China-friendly Nationalist Party President Ma Ying-jeou, will not assume office till May. Her predecessor steered a series of agreements with China during his eight years in power, resulting in closer economic ties between the mainland and Taiwan.
Taiwan split from mainland China in 1945, after the communist revolution in 1949, drove away Chiang Kai-shek’s defeated Nationalists who formed their government on the island in that year.
"Compatriots from both sides of the Taiwan Strait are expecting the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, and we should not disappoint them," Mr. Xi observed.
"We will adhere to the 1992 Consensus as a political foundation, and continuously advance the peaceful development of cross-Strait ties," said the President.
Only by accepting the 1992 Consensus and recognising its core implications can the two sides have a common political foundation and maintain good interactions, Mr. Xi said.
Mr. Xi pointed out that the Chinese mainland will further promote cross-Strait cooperation and exchanges in all fields, deepen economic and social integration, and enhance the sense of a community of common destiny.
