Amid economic headwinds and rising tension across the Taiwan Strait, President Xi Jinping has used his National Day address to the nation, on the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, to reaffirm staunch backing for Hong Kong and Macau.
At the same time, he sent his first direct warning to independence advocates in Taiwan since William Lai Ching-te succeeded Tsai Ing-wen as leader of the self-ruled island.
Xi said Taiwan was “China’s sacred territory”. Beijing has repeatedly accused Lai of sending dangerous signals on independence.
In his state banquet speech, Xi reiterated Beijing would accurately and comprehensively implement “one country, two systems”, reaffirmed the principle of “Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong”, and emphasised that with strong backing from Beijing the city and Macau could look forward to a better future.
Xi also stressed China’s commitment to safeguarding world peace, and advocating an equitable world order; and that the leadership of the Communist Party was key to China’s future development and modernisation.
