China Will Not Renounce Use Of Force Over Taiwan, Says Xi

Chinese president Xi Jinping said China would not renounce the right to use force over Taiwan, in his opening speech at the ruling Communist Party's 20th congress in Beijing.

- Vishwam Sankaran

The Chinese president said it is up to the Chinese people to resolve the Taiwan issue, in the speech addressing over 2,300 delegates at the Great Hall of the People.

He said China must also ensure Hong Kong is ruled by patriots, adding that China will support Hong Kong in integrating with the mainland.

The "one country, two systems" system is the best for Hong Kong and it must be adhered to in the long run, president Xi said at the twice-a-decade Communist Party conference, where he is expected to receive a third five-year term as the country's leader.

With Mr Xi set to remain in power for the next term, many of his policies are expected to continue, including his government's intolerance to criticism and the stern zero-Covid policy, which he defended saying it "put people and their lives above all else".

While critics have pointed out that the hardline policy has taken a toll on the country's real estate sector and the tourism industry, he said it "achieved significant positive results in coordinating epidemic prevention and control and social and economic development".