Chinese General Secretary and President Xi Jinping reaffirmed a hardline stance by emphasizing a resolute strike against Taiwan independence forces on the 30th of last month, the eve of National Day marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. In addition, addressing the nation's economy amid considerable challenges, he stressed that it is moving forward and called for achieving its annual targets.

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Chinese General Secretary and President Xi Jinping, accompanied by top party and state leaders, enters the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on the afternoon of the 30th of last month, where a reception celebrating the 77th National Day was held. In his speech, he stressed a resolute strike against Taiwan independence forces. / Xinhua News Agency

According to Beijing sources well-versed in Chinese affairs on the 1st, President Xi stated during a speech at the 77th National Day reception of the People's Republic of China held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing the previous afternoon, "We must deepen cross-strait (China and Taiwan) exchanges and cooperation. We must resolutely strike Taiwan independence separatist forces while opposing interference by external forces." He added, "We must promote the peaceful development of cross-strait relations and advance the great cause of national reunification."

Regarding the economy, he emphasized, "Since the beginning of this year, China's economy has pushed forward while withstanding pressure. Showing new directions and qualitative improvements, it demonstrated strong resilience and vitality." He continued, "Facing a complex web of international and domestic environments, we must adhere to the work principle of pursuing growth while maintaining stability," calling for further deepening reform and opening-up while comprehensively advancing development and security.

He urged, "The economy must continuously foster new momentum and elevate its quality level. We must sustain the improving trend," before stressing, "We must accomplish our annual goals and tasks, striving to realize a solid start to the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030)."

In his National Day address last year, he stated, "We must resolutely oppose Taiwan independence separatist activities and interference by external forces, while staunchly defending national sovereignty and territorial integrity." Compared to that time, the phrasing strengthened from "opposing separatist activities" to "striking separatist forces." Considering that the government has virtually designated next year as the inaugural year for unification, this stance can be viewed as a matter of course.

Regarding Hong Kong and Macau, President Xi stressed the need to firmly implement "one country, two systems," "Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong," "Macau people governing Macau," and a high degree of autonomy.

Around 800 attendees joined the reception, including President Xi and top party and state leaders—such as Premier Li Qiang, National People's Congress Standing Committee Chairman Zhao Leji, Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Chairman Wang Huning, and Secretariat Secretary Cai Qi—along with senior party, government, and military officials, representatives from various sectors, and foreign diplomats.

From South Korea, Ambassador to China Noh Jae-heon attended, while North Korean Ambassador to China Ri Ryong-nam represented North Korea. The presence of ambassadors from both Koreas side by side at an official Chinese government event after a considerable hiatus drew particular attention. However, the two ambassadors reportedly did not engage in private dialogue.

                                                                                                            Hong Soon-do