The Chinese regime threatened Taiwan and assured that it would “resolutely fight” against its independence

The Chinese regime has threatened Taiwan and assured that it will “resolutely fight” against its independence. (Reuters)

Xi Jinping’s regime threatened to “resolutely fight” against Taiwan’s independence and “for the reunification of the motherland,” according to the government action report read out Sunday by outgoing Prime Minister Li Keqiang at the inauguration of the annual session of the National Popular Assembly (ANP).

“We have to carry out the strategy of the Communist Party (CCP) on the issue of Taiwan, that is, resolutely fight against its independence and for the reunification of the motherland,” Li said during the speech.

Relations between Beijing and Taipei deteriorated last summer after the visit to the island of the then Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, which raised tension in the strait to unprecedented highs in years.

“We will promote a peaceful development of relations on both sides of the Strait in order to promote a process of peaceful reunification. We should promote economic and cultural cooperation between the two sides and perfect policies aimed at improving the well-being of Taiwanese compatriots,” he added.

According to his report, the Communist Party has already been waging “a major fight against secession” in Taiwan and against “interference”, apparently referring to the United States, a country that Beijing criticizes as interfering in its internal affairs.

In his speech, Li asserted that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) must “boost its combat readiness and military capabilities to achieve the tasks entrusted to it by the Party.” (Reuters)

Taiwan, with whom the North American country does not maintain official relations, is one of the main sources of conflict between China and the US, mainly because Washington is Taiwan’s main arms supplier and would be its greatest military ally in the event of a war. with the Asian giant.

China announced this Sunday that it will increase its defense spending by 7.2% this year to 1.55 trillion yuan (224,384 million dollars) after the item grew 7.1% in 2022, according to a report that Parliament will review in the coming days.

In his speech, Li asserted that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) must “boost its combat readiness and military capabilities to achieve the tasks entrusted to it by the Party.”

“The Chinese armed forces have to intensify their training and preparation, develop new military strategic guidelines” or “strengthen military work in all directions and domains.”

Likewise, Li asserted that China will remain “committed to an independent foreign policy and peace.”

“We will continue with our strategy of opening up for mutual benefit, and we will continue working to safeguard world peace, contributing to global development and maintaining international order,” he said.

China announced that it will increase its defense spending by 7.2% this year to 1.55 trillion yuan after the item grew by 7.1% in 2022. (REUTERS)

The outgoing prime minister did not mention the war in Ukraine, but stressed that China’s Security and Global Development initiatives will try to “promote values ​​shared by humanity.”

The “Global Security Initiative” is a project announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping in April 2022 that opposes the use of sanctions on the international stage or what Beijing considers “unilateralism”, “confrontation between blocs” or ” cold war mentality.

Beijing has set an economic growth target of “around 5%” for this year.

The objective is as expected by analysts and follows the line established last year, between 5 and 5.5%, although finally the second world economy grew by 3% after the harsh restrictions and confinements imposed in the framework of its “zero COVID” policy’ in the face of the worst waves of infections since the start of the pandemic.

“This year, it is essential to prioritize economic stability and seek growth while ensuring stability,” said Li, who recalled that “the foundations of stable growth (still) need to be consolidated.”

The world’s second largest economy grew 3% after the harsh restrictions and confinements it imposed as part of its “zero COVID” policy, in the face of the worst waves of infections since the start of the pandemic. (AP)

These economic data were presented at the opening of the nine-day parliamentary session that must certify the re-election of Xi Jinping as president for five more years. In October he was already confirmed in his functions at the head of the Communist Party.

Xi Jinping’s regime has faced some pitfalls in recent months, such as the demonstrations at the end of November against his “zero COVID” policy and later, a wave of deaths after abandoning this criticized public health strategy.

(With information from EFE and AFP)

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