Chinese President Xi Jinping speaks during an awards ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on September 29, 2024, ahead of China's National Day.
Adek Perry | AFP | Getty Images
BEIJING – Chinese President Xi Jinping said Monday that there are no challenges that can prevent the country from moving forward, and reiterated Beijing's goals for reunification with Taiwan.
He was speaking at a reception marking the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1, 1949.
“The road ahead will certainly have challenges,” Xi said, before calling on the country to overcome uncertainties and risks. “There are no challenges that can stop China's progress.”
The comments were translated by CNBC from a Chinese state media broadcast.
The brief speech, which was broadcast during state radio's daily evening news program, noted that Xi and other senior Chinese leaders entered the reception shortly after 5 p.m. local time on Monday.
State media reported that about 3,000 people, including foreigners, attended the event in Beijing.
During his speech, Xi stressed the need for unification under the leadership of the Communist Party of China and reiterated Beijing's “firm opposition” to “separatist” activities in Taiwan, while calling on the two sides to increase economic and cultural cooperation.
He viewed reunification with Taiwan as an inevitable development of history, something he has said previously.
Beijing considers the democratically autonomous island part of its territory.
He did not mention trade tensions
Tensions between China, the United States and Europe have increased over the past few years, with Western countries increasing tariffs and restrictions on Beijing's access to advanced technology.
Xi did not mention specific countries or trade conflicts in his speech on Monday, but rather portrayed China as supportive of globalization. He widely thanked the “friendly” countries that support China's development.
He also stressed Beijing's claim to Greater China by saying that “national rejuvenation” is the hope of Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and all Chinese peoples.
The Beijing leader added that China will “stimulate” the development of Hong Kong and Macau, two autonomous regions governed by Beijing under the “one country, two systems” principle.
In a 2019 speech marking the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, Xi said no force could influence China's development, amid celebrations that included a military parade and large-scale celebrations. The 65th anniversary events were more subdued.
Xi's speech comes as Chinese markets have seen a slight rally in recent weeks, with major stock indexes in mainland China and Hong Kong recently rising to their highest levels in more than a year after authorities announced plans to support economic growth. On Thursday, a high-level meeting led by Xi called for halting the real estate decline and strengthening fiscal and monetary policy.
While the People's Bank of China cut interest rates last week, the Ministry of Finance has yet to announce additional fiscal support.
