China president Xi Jinping calls for Taiwan reunification in national day speech

Chinese President Xi Jinping makes a toast during the National Day reception on the eve of the 75th founding anniversary of the People's Republic of China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China September 30, 2024. - Reuters

BEIJING (AFP): President Xi Jinping reiterated his call for China to "reunite" with Taiwan, the self-ruled island China claims as its own, during an address on the eve of national holiday celebrations.

Xi also used his speech to thousands of people gathered for a banquet celebrating 75 years of the People's Republic to call for opposition to the "separatist activities" of supporters of Taiwanese independence.