BEIJING (AP) — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday praised his country’s technological advances in areas such as artificial intelligence and semiconductors while again insisting that China would annex self-ruled Taiwan.
In a New Year’s Eve speech broadcast on state media late Wednesday, Xi praised China’s progress in key areas such as military technology and space exploration. As he spoke, images scrolled across the screen, ranging from humanoid robots performing kung fu to new hydropower projects.
“We insist on driving high-quality development through innovation.” Xi Jinping thanked the Chinese people for their contributions to the country’s economic development over the past five years.
China has planned its economic development for five years and is preparing to discuss a new five-year plan at a legislative session in March.
As the United States tightens controls on access to semiconductors and other high-tech products, China will accelerate its self-reliance in science and technology.
Xi Jinping also listed high-level political events and exchanges held over the past year and praised China’s rising status on the world stage.
Xi Jinping reiterated Beijing’s annexation intentions for Taiwan, a self-governing democracy that China considers sovereign territory.
“We Chinese people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are connected by blood and blood,” he said. “The reunification of the motherland is the trend of the times and is unstoppable.”
China this week conducted two days of military drills around Taiwan, firing rockets and sending aircraft and warships in response to U.S. plans to sell arms to the island.
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te condemned the drills but said Taiwan would act responsibly and would neither escalate conflicts nor stir up disputes.