Xi Jinping: "China is moving forward despite economic pressure... 'We will deal a resolute blow to Taiwan independence forces'"

[Financial News] Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed a strong determination to achieve this year's economic targets ahead of the 77th anniversary of the founding of the PRC. At the same time, he issued a significantly stronger warning than last year to Taiwan independence forces.

According to Chinese state media, including Xinhua News Agency, Xi said in a speech at a National Day reception held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing that evening to mark the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC), "Since the beginning of this year, China's economy has been moving forward while weathering domestic and external pressures, and has demonstrated strong resilience and vitality."
Xi stressed, "Faced with a complex and intertwined international and domestic environment, we must firmly maintain the principle of seeking progress while maintaining stability, deepen reform and opening up further, and coordinate development and security in an integrated manner."
He continued, "The economy must continuously cultivate new drivers of growth and improve its quality. We must make substantive improvements to people's livelihoods, complete the annual economic and social targets, and achieve a smooth start to the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030)."


He significantly toughened his wording on Taiwan. Xi said, "We must deepen cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, deal a resolute blow to the 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces, and oppose interference by external forces." He added, "We must promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and advance the great cause of national reunification."
Compared with his National Day speech last year, when he said, "We firmly oppose the 'acts' of Taiwan independence separatists and interference by external forces," this year's speech clearly identified the target as 'forces' and substantially raised the intensity of the response from 'opposition' to 'striking.' However, this year's speech omitted the phrase 'safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity,' which appeared last year, and explicitly included 'peaceful development' instead.

Regarding Hong Kong and Macau, he said the principle of 'one country, two systems' and the policy of a high degree of autonomy would be firmly implemented, with support provided so they could integrate into national development. On foreign policy, he pledged to uphold an 'independent and self-reliant peaceful diplomacy' and inject positive energy into a world where change and turmoil intersect by building a community with a shared future for humanity.
Xi also said, "Over the past 77 years, under the Party's leadership, we have created the 'two miracles' of rapid economic development and long-term social stability," and expressed confidence, saying, "The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is an irresistible trend."
Meanwhile, more than 800 people attended the reception, which was chaired by State Council Premier Li Qiang. Attendees included Xi, Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning and Cai Qi, as well as top Party, government and military officials and diplomatic envoys from various countries. South Korean Ambassador Ro Jae-hun to China and North Korean Ambassador Ri Ryong-nam to China sat side by side. 

[email protected] Park Ji-hyun Reporter