Highlights of Xi's speech at Taiwan message anniversary event

Taiwan question will definitely end with national rejuvenation

The Taiwan question originated from national weakness and disorder, and will definitely end with national rejuvenation, Xi said.

The Chinese people on both sides of the Taiwan Straits should make joint efforts to seek national reunification, Xi said.

The future of Taiwan lies in national reunification and the wellbeing of Taiwan compatriots is linked to national rejuvenation, Xi said. "Peaceful development of cross-Straits relations is the correct road to maintaining cross-Straits peace, promoting cross-Straits common development, and benefiting compatriots on both sides of the Straits."

Peaceful development of cross-Straits relations should be pushed forward, maintained and shared by compatriots on both sides of the Strait, he said.

Xi expounds best approach to reunification

The principles of "peaceful reunification" and "one country, two systems" are the best approach to realizing national reunification, Xi said.

On the basis of ensuring China's sovereignty, security and interests of development, the social system and way of life in Taiwan will be fully respected, and the private property, religious beliefs and legitimate rights and interests of Taiwan compatriots will be fully protected after peaceful reunification is realized, Xi said.

"We are all of the same family. The cross-Straits affairs are domestic affairs and should naturally be addressed through discussion and consultation by ourselves," Xi said.

As long as the one-China principle is upheld, there will be no obstacles in exchanges between political parties and groups in Taiwan and the mainland, Xi said.

Xi proposes institutional arrangement for peaceful development of cross-Straits relations

President Xi Jinping proposed that the mainland and Taiwan conduct democratic consultation on cross-Straits relations and the future of the nation, and establish institutional arrangement for peaceful development of cross-Straits relations.

Political parties and all sectors on both sides of the Straits may recommend representatives to conduct extensive and in-depth democratic consultation on the basis of the common political foundation of upholding the 1992 Consensus and opposing "Taiwan independence," Xi said.

Xi pledges utmost sincerity for peaceful reunification, makes no promise to abandon use of force

While noting that "Chinese don't fight Chinese," Xi said peaceful reunification is in the best interests of compatriots across the Straits as well as the Chinese nation.

"We make no promise to renounce the use of force and reserve the option of taking all necessary means," he added.

This does not target compatriots in Taiwan, but the interference of external forces and the very small number of "Taiwan independence" separatists and their activities, he said.

"Taiwan independence" goes against the trend of history and will lead to a dead end, he said.

"We are willing to create broad space for peaceful reunification, but will leave no room for any form of separatist activities," he added.