Xi Jinping said today from a speech in which he “closed” the National People’s Congress in Beijing that he intends to strengthen China’s security by turning the Chinese military into “China’s great steel wall.” who will protect the interests of the country.

The Chinese president’s speech on Monday to nearly 3,000 members of the National People’s Congress came after his unprecedented (unanimous) re-election for a third term as president and his appointment. Lee Chanconsidered a close confidant of Xi, to the post of prime minister.

Thanking delegates earlier for his unanimous re-election to power, Xi said he would “build a military force” that would act as a “(China) great steel wall” that would “effectively protect national sovereignty, security and development interests.” a country.

Xi Jinping also pledged to combine “development and security,” stressing that “security is the foundation of development, and stability is the prerequisite for prosperity.”

The above statements come at a time when Beijing’s relations with the West, and in particular with the United States, have sunk to their lowest point in decades, the Financial Times notes.

Recall that just a few days ago, the new Chinese Foreign Minister (and former Chinese Ambassador to Washington), Qin Gang even warned of a Sino-US “collision … if the US doesn’t slow down and keep accelerating on the wrong track.”

Concerning specifically the Taiwan issue, the Chinese President reiterated today that he strongly opposes any outside interference, but at the same time categorically rejects any possibility of Taiwan independence.

According to the FT, the new Prime Minister Lee Chang showed himself more flexible in relation to the United States in his speech today.

“Some are pushing the idea of ​​secession (i.e. secession of the US) from China… but I wonder how many people can actually benefit from this trend… Encirclement and oppression is not in anyone’s interest,” Li said.

According to FT