China’s Xi Jinping lobs warning to ‘separatists’ across Taiwan Strait in National Day speech

“Be prepared for the future and resolutely overcome all uncertainties,” Xi said at an official event in Beijing to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic on Tuesday.

He also said Taiwan was “China’s sacred territory” and “the people on both sides of the [Taiwan] Strait are connected by blood”.

“We must … promote the spiritual harmony of compatriots on both sides of the strait, and resolutely oppose Taiwan independence separatist activities,” Xi said.

Beijing sees Taiwan as part of China to be reunited by force, if necessary. The US, like most countries, does not recognise self-governed Taiwan as independent, but it is opposed to any attempt to take the island by force and is committed to arming it for defence.