Xi Jinping warns of ‘difficulties, obstacles’ ahead for China as it marks 75th year of communist rule
Beijing, China–Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday warned of “difficulties and obstacles” ahead for China, but added no challenges would stop the nation from “moving forward.”
Xi was speaking at an annual banquet held on the eve of its National Day. This year marks 75 years since the establishment of the People’s Republic of China under communist rule.
“The road ahead will not be smooth, there will definitely be difficulties and obstacles, and we may encounter major tests such as high winds and rough seas, or even stormy waves,” Xi said, addressing the banquet attended by senior leaders of the government and guests.
China’s economy had struggled to recover amid a continued property crisis and weak consumption has dragged on China’s economic recovery.
The government last week announced a slew of measures to boost lending and prop up the real estate market.
“No difficulties can stop the Chinese people from moving forward,” he added.
Reunification with Taiwan
Xi also reiterated China’s goal of reunification between mainland China and Taiwan, using the occasion to warn against separatist activities.
“Taiwan is a sacred territory of China,” Xi said. “No one can stop the wheel of history.”
Taiwan split from China amid civil war in 1949, but Beijing continues to regard the island of 23 million with its high-tech economy as Chinese territory and has been ramping up its threat to achieve that by military force if necessary.
