In the past year, Beijing has stepped up military pressure on Taiwan, a democratically-ruled island nation of 23 million people, sending warships and fighter jets close to its territory on an almost daily basis.
Taiwanese leaders called it a gradual attempt by Beijing to normalize China’s military presence.
China considers Taiwan its territory, but the government in Taipei rejects these claims and points out that only its residents can choose their future and that Beijing must respect their decision.
“The people on both sides of Taiwan are one family. No one can threaten our family ties and no one can stop the historic trend of our national reunification,” Xi said in an address on state television.
In last year’s New Year’s Day speech, Xi said unification with Taiwan was inevitable.
Tensions have been high all year, especially after Lai Ching-te, dubbed a separatist in Beijing, became the island nation’s new president in May.
(Vijesti.ba)
www.vijesti.ba
