Xi Jinping reaffirms his claim to Taiwan in his concluding speech to the Chinese parliament | Xi Jinping

Xi Jinping has stressed the need to oppose “pro-independence” influences in Taiwan, closing the National People’s Congress after a week in which the country’s ratifying parliament granted the Chinese president an unprecedented third term and key roles. On top of the government has been modified.

Xi concluded the session with a speech to the assembled delegates. On Friday, he secured his place as China’s most powerful leader in generations at a carefully choreographed ceremony in Beijing.

In his speech Monday outlining his priorities for China, Xi described the need for “national reunification” as “the core of national rejuvenation,” calling the issue of Taiwan’s relationship with China the focus of the new political term.

We must firmly oppose outside forces and separatist activities for Taiwan independence. “We must unswervingly push forward the cause of national rejuvenation and reunification,” Xi said to a standing ovation. Xi, who has not previously ruled out the use of force against Taiwan, stressed the need to “promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations.”

The CCP has never governed Taiwan, a self-governing democracy, but it views it as a breakaway province that must be “reunited” with the mainland, by force if necessary. Xi has increasingly prioritized China’s claim to Taiwan, viewing it as a historic necessity amid escalating tensions with the United States.

On Monday, Xi stressed the need to strengthen the military, making it a “big wall of steel” to protect China’s sovereignty and national interests.

He also called for greater economic self-reliance and the need for coordinated development and security. “Security is the foundation of development. Stability is the foundation of prosperity.”

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On Saturday, Li Qiang, a longtime Xi ally, was promoted to prime minister, the second most powerful position in the Chinese Communist Party. The former Shanghai Communist Party chief replaced Li Keqiang, who resigned after two five-year terms.

Li Qiang, now tasked with rebuilding China’s economy after three years of Covid restrictions, sought to inspire business confidence on Monday. The premier told reporters during his first briefing that entrepreneurs and enterprises in China will be given ample space and opportunities to develop in an environment based on rules and a “culture of respect.”

The party has in recent years cracked down on technology companies, trying to assert control over China’s largest companies and business elite.

Across the list of other appointments, there were fewer changes than expected, with most ministers retaining their posts.

Xi has been placing allies in key roles in the government’s reshuffle, but has bucked convention by keeping Yi Gang as governor of the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) and Liu Kun as finance minister. Both men have reached or exceeded the official retirement age of 65.

The choice of continuity in these important economic roles indicates an emphasis on credibility and stability, said Matti Peking, China director at The Economist Intelligence Corporate Network.

“It may also be a tacit acknowledgment of some of the challenges facing Beijing at the moment,” she said. “The real challenge for this third Xi administration is whether it will address the structural imbalances in the Chinese economy and make the necessary reforms to ensure China’s long-term competitiveness.”

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The government has set a target for economic growth for 2023 of around 5%, up from 3% last year, which was among the weakest performances in decades.

Reuters contributed to this report

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