On September 29, 2024, on the eve of China’s National Day, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a speech at the awards ceremony held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
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BEIJING – Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Monday that no challenge can stop the country's progress and reiterated Beijing's goal of reunifying with Taiwan.
He was delivering a speech at a reception commemorating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1, 1949.
“There will certainly be challenges on the way forward,” Xi said, calling on the country to overcome uncertainties and risks. “No challenge can stop China from moving forward.”
The comments were translated by CNBC from Chinese state media broadcasts.
Xi Jinping and other top Chinese leaders entered the reception shortly after 5pm local time on Monday, according to a brief speech broadcast on state television's daily evening news program.
About 3,000 people, including foreigners, attended the event in Beijing, according to state media reports.
In his speech, Xi stressed the need for reunification under the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party and reiterated Beijing's “firm opposition” to Taiwan's “separatist” activities, while calling on both sides to strengthen economic and cultural cooperation.
He regards cross-strait reunification as an inevitable development of history – something he has said before.
Beijing considers the democratically self-governed island to be part of its territory.
No mention of trade tensions
Tensions between China and the United States and Europe have grown over the past few years as Western countries have raised tariffs and restricted Beijing's access to advanced technology.
Xi Jinping did not mention specific countries or trade conflicts in his speech on Monday, instead portraying China as a defender of globalization. He extended extensive thanks to “friendly” countries and supporters of China's development.
He also emphasized Beijing's proposition for Greater China and said that “national rejuvenation” is the hope of the people of Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and all Chinese people.
The Beijing leader added that China would “promote” the development of Hong Kong and Macau, autonomous regions ruled by Beijing under the “one country, two systems” principle.
In a speech commemorating the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in 2019, Xi Jinping stated during military parades and large-scale celebrations that no force can influence China's development. The 65th anniversary celebrations were more low-key.
Xi's speech comes as Chinese markets have rallied in recent weeks, with major stock indexes in mainland China and Hong Kong recently surging to their highest levels in more than a year after authorities announced plans to support economic growth. On Thursday, a high-level meeting chaired by Xi Jinping called for curbing the real estate decline and strengthening fiscal and monetary policies.
Although the People's Bank of China cut interest rates last week, the Ministry of Finance has yet to announce additional fiscal support.