Xi Jinping has claimed “no challenge can stop China” in a chest-thumping speech to mark the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China.
The Chinese president also reiterated his vision for Chinese reunification with Taiwan during his address at a reception at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
He said: “The path ahead will definitely see challenges but no challenge can stop China’s progress.”
During his speech, Xi emphasised his hopes under the Chinese Communist Party’s leadership and reiterated Beijing’s “firm opposition” to Taiwan “separatist” activities.
He broadly thanked “friendly” countries and supporters of China’s development and said that Beijing would “spur” the development of Hong Kong and Macao — both self-governed regions which are ruled by China under the “one country, two systems” principle.
His new comments will no doubt concern US President Joe Biden, who, on Sunday, approved $567 million (£423 million) in new defence support for Taiwan.
Announcing the measures, the White House said Biden had delegated the secretary of state Antony Blinken “to direct the drawdown of up to $567 million in defense articles and services of the Department of Defense, and military education and training, to provide assistance to Taiwan”.
It came just hours after Taipei detected “multiple waves” of missiles firing deep from inland China.
Taiwan said its forces are “continuously monitoring relevant developments, and air defence forces have maintained a high level of vigilance and strengthened their alert”.