Chinese President: Taiwan reunification must be achieved

SANAA, Oct. 09 (YPA) – President Xi Jinping said on Saturday that reunification with Taiwan must and will be realised and that this accords with the basic interests of Taiwan’s people.

In a speech marking the 110th anniversary of the 1911 revolution, Xi said: “Compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait should stand on the right side of history and join hands to achieve China’s complete reunification and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.”

Last Wednesday, Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said China would be able to launch an all-out invasion of his country by 2025, describing current tensions as the worst in 40 years.

He added  China is now capable, but will be fully prepared to launch an invasion within three years.

Beijing sent about 150 warplanes to Taiwan’s air defense zone over four days starting Friday, the same day China celebrated a major national day, in a record escalation of military activity in the grey area, the Guardian reported.

Beijing says Taiwan is a Chinese province and has pledged to restore it by force if necessary, accusing its elected government of being a separatist, while the Taiwan government says it is an already sovereign country and has no need to declare independence.

On Tuesday, Taiwan’s President, Tsai Ing-wen conformed that Taiwan would not be an “adventure” but would do “everything it takes” to defend itself.

E.M