Party will never allow threat to sovereignty, Xi pledges

The Communist Party of China will never allow anyone, any organization, or any political party, at any time or in any form, to separate any part of Chinese territory from China, President Xi Jinping vowed on Wednesday.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China, made the vow while addressing the opening session of the 19th CPC National Congress.

"We have the resolve, confidence and ability to defeat separatist attempts for 'Taiwan independence' in any form," he said.

The CPC stands firm in safeguarding China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and will never allow the historical tragedy of national division to repeat itself, he said.

"Recognize the historical fact of the 1992 Consensus and that the two sides both belong to one China, and then our two sides can conduct dialogue to address, through discussion, the concerns of the people of both sides, and no political party or group in Taiwan will have any difficulty conducting exchanges with the mainland," he said.

The 1992 Consensus embodies the one-China principle and defines the fundamental nature of cross-Straits relations.

"We respect Taiwan's social system and Taiwan compatriots' life style and we are willingly to share development with Taiwan compatriots," he said.

"We will ensure that over time, people from Taiwan will enjoy the same treatment as local people when they pursue their studies, start businesses, seek jobs, or live on the mainland, thus improving the wellbeing of Taiwan compatriots."

People from both sides are encouraged to work together to promote Chinese culture and forge closer bonds between them, he said.