Xi Jinping says no one can prevent China's reunification with Taiwan

Chinese President Xi Jinping | Photo: Reuters

Chinese President Xi Jinping has said that no one can prevent Taiwan's reunification with China. 

Xi Jinping made the remarks in a speech to the nation on Tuesday, the occasion of the New Year. Chinese state television broadcast the Chinese president's speech. 

China claims self-ruled Taiwan as an integral part of its territory and has said it will not hesitate to use force if necessary to maintain control over Taiwan.

In his speech, the Chinese president said, "People on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are part of the same family. No one can break this blood bond between us. No one can stop the historic trend of reunification of our motherland." 

Xi Jinping gave such a strong message about Taiwan a few weeks before the inauguration of US President Donald Trump.

China and the United States have a long-standing dispute over Taiwan. Although the United States does not formally recognize Taiwan, which it claims as an integral part of China, Taiwan is one of Washington's strategic allies and a major arms supplier. 

Washington has never officially recognized Taiwan as part of Beijing. While it maintains informal relations with Taiwan, the United States is a supporter of the "one China" policy.