Chinese President Xi Jinping vows to pursue 'reunification' with Taiwan by peaceful means as heightened tensions over the island continue #China #Taiwan #Reunification #BBCNews #CNN

"People should not underestimate Chinese people's determination to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The task of complete reunification of China must be achieved, and it will definitely be achieved," he said. 

The speech comes amid rising military tensions in the Taiwan Strait. Over four days in early October, the Chinese military flew almost 150 fighter jets, nuclear-capable bombers, anti-submarine aircraft, and airborne early warning and control planes into Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone, according to the island's Defense Ministry. 

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said at a security forum in Taipei on Friday that although her government did not seek military conflict, "Taiwan will also do whatever it takes to defend its freedom and democratic way of life." Read more