Hong Kong (CNN) Xi Jinping called on Taiwan to reject independence and embrace "peaceful reunification" with China, in a conciliatory speech that nevertheless took a hard line on the self-governing island's political sovereignty and freedoms. "Reunification is the historical trend and the right path, Taiwan independence is ... a dead end," he said. During his speech, Xi said China had achieved a "achieved a great victory in frustrating the Taiwan independence movement and other separatist activities." A group of Hong Kong independence supporters display flags during the annual New Year's Day pro-democracy rally in Hong Kong on January 1, 2019. For many years, Hong Kong was seen as a model for Taiwan, an advertisement for future reunification, and Xi's speech harkened back to this.

Source: CNN January 02, 2019 05:21 UTC