President Xi Jinping vowed in a speech at the opening of the Communist Party Congress in Beijing on Sunday that China will “never commit to renouncing the use of force” when it comes to the Taiwan issue.

“The solution to the Taiwan issue is a matter for the Chinese people themselves and must be solved by the Chinese alone. We will uphold the prospect of peaceful reunification with the utmost sincerity and best effort, but never commit to abandoning the use of violence and reserve the option to take any necessary measures,” Xi told Communist Party delegates in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

China sees self-governing, democratic Taiwan as part of its territory, to be recaptured one day through military intervention if necessary.

“The historic wheels of national reunification and national rejuvenation are rolling forward,” Xi added. “The reunification of the fatherland must be achieved and will be achieved.”

Xi condemned “separatism and interference” in the matter.

He also hailed Hong Kong’s transition from “chaos to governance” after the enactment of a national security law in 2020 that has quashed dissent in the once outspoken city.

“The situation in Hong Kong has achieved a major transition from chaos to governance,” he said.