China will never allow the tragedy of Taiwan being "split" off from the rest of the country to happen again, state media on Sunday quoted President Xi Jinping as saying, offering a strong warning to the island against any moves towards independence.
Meeting with Shanghai delegates to the annual meeting of parliament, Xi made apparent reference to the Qing dynasty's loss of Taiwan to Japan in 1895, who then ruled the island as a colony until the end of World War Two. "We will resolutely contain 'Taiwan independence' secessionist activities in any form, safeguard the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and never allow the historical tragedy of the nation being split to happen again," Xi said.
"This is the common wish and firm will of all Chinese people. It is also our solemn commitment and our responsibility to history and the people," he added.
Tsai has said she would maintain peace with China, and Chinese state-run media have also noted her pledges to maintain the "status quo" with China.
Without making direct mention of Tsai, who assumes office in May, Xi said Beijing's policy towards Taiwan was clear and consistent and "will not change along with the change in Taiwan's political situation".
"Compatriots from both sides of the Taiwan Strait are expecting the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, and we should not disappoint them," he added.
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