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

President Xi Jinping used his annual National Day address on Monday to call for an all-out effort to counter mounting uncertainty and to send a strong warning to “separatists” on Taiwan.

Xi also pledged “staunch backing” for Hong Kong and Macau to preserve and promote the prosperity and stability of the two special administrative regions.

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

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.