Chinese Premier Li Keqiang spoke out strongly against Taiwan independence on Sunday during the opening speech of the National People’s Congress (NPC). He called for a “peaceful reunification” with the democratic and autonomous island republic.
“Since we Chinese people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are one family sharing the same blood, we should promote economic and cultural exchanges and cooperation, and improve systems and policies that contribute to the well-being of our compatriots. Taiwanese,” Li said.
The Prime Minister, who could in principle be replaced by Li Qiang at this congress, also called for “promoting the peaceful development of China-Taiwan relations and encouraging the process of peaceful reunification with China”. He also called for upholding the “one-China principle” and taking determined measures to counter Taiwan independence.
Taiwan has had an independent government since 1949. However, China considers the island, which has some 23 million inhabitants, to be part of its territory. This situation has led to tensions on several occasions in recent months. After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, there is great concern in the West that China may also use military force as part of its territorial claim on Taiwan.
