BEIJING (Sputnik) - China does not pledge to abstain from force when countering foreign meddling and separatist movements in Taiwan, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday.

At a gathering commemorating the 40th anniversary of issuing the Message to Compatriots in Taiwan that marked a thaw in China-Taiwan relations, Xi said, emphasizing that "Chinese do not fight Chinese" that peaceful reunification served the interests of his compatriots. READ MORE: China Resumes Bomber Flights Around Taiwan, Ending Six-Month Hiatus

"We make no promise to renounce the use of force and reserve the option of taking all necessary means," Xi said, as quoted by the China Daily newspaper.
The Chinese leader stressed that the use of force could target exclusively external interference and separatist groups operating in Taiwan.

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

Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen (File) ©
AP Photo / Chiang Ying-ying Beijing Ramps Up Pressure After Taiwan Pro-Independence Party Sees Heavy Losses
Xi pointed that since people living in mainland China and in Taiwan were "of the same family," the Taiwan issue was "domestic affairs" that should be addressed "through discussion and consultation."
Relations between mainland China and Taiwan have been tense since 1949, when the Chinese Nationalist Party-led forces took over Taiwan, following their defeat in the Chinese civil war, and established the Republic of China on the island. Beijing does not recognize Taiwanese independence, claiming that the island is a part of China, while Taiwan does not recognize the central Chinese government. However, the Message to Compatriots, issued 40 years ago, declared an end to artillery bombardment of Taiwan-controlled island, and since then informal China-Taiwan contacts resumed.Source: sputniknews.com