The historical momentum for Taiwan's reunification with mainland China is unstoppable, Chinese President Xi Jinping said in his New Year's address, quoted by China Central Television.
“Our compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are bound by blood ties, and the historical momentum for national reunification is unstoppable“, he said.
Xi Jinping stressed that China must unswervingly implement the "One country, two systems" policy and support the integration of Hong Kong and Macao into the country's overall development.
Previously, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Zhang Xiaogang said Beijing was committed to peaceful reunification with Taiwan but reserved the right to take necessary measures. He added that if pro-Taiwan independence forces crossed the "red" line, the Chinese military would have no choice but to "take decisive action".